Educator Awards Spotlight: Nancy Baldwin

2021 Washington State Classified School Employee of the Year Nancy Baldwin is a Family Support Specialist in Kelso School District, ESD 112

For the next two weeks, we’re sharing the wisdom of our incredible regional and state Teachers and Classified School Employees of the Year, in their own words.

What advice would you give someone who is just beginning their career in education?

The advice I would give to someone who is just beginning their career in education is to enjoy the journey. You are about to be a part of something that will become bigger than the plans you had for yourself. You will be instrumental in shaping young lives, you will be the single greatest influencer on many children. Students will watch you and listen to you, so be careful to always try to teach by example. It’s okay to need a break, to breathe deeply for just a minute, after all, you are changing lives and creating a brighter tomorrow.

What one change in education are you most excited for in our (almost) post-COVID reality?

Many aspects of my job have been altered in some way despite or because of COVID, thankfully I have found new ways over, under, around, and straight through barriers. I meet families where they are, physically, mentally, and emotionally. However, I will be thrilled to be able to do more hands-on work with donors and individual families. Currently, I am the intermediary for donations to families, which warms my heart. Knowing that many COVID restrictions may soon be lifted, will allow our community program to soar to greater heights.

What do you think is the most important part of your job?

I truly believe the most important part of my job is getting to meet families, assist in finding resources throughout the community, and celebrating milestones with them. Individuals and families trust me when they’re their most vulnerable, and that is something I cherish. I am unbelievably proud of the space this community has given KSD to grow and give back. I believe we have created a safe space for families. Meeting families at a grassroots level, being the boots on the ground, and building trust is the most important thing to me no matter where they are; clear is kind.

What have you been reading, listening to, or watching over the past year that you would recommend?

This year has been a long one, for myself and the families I serve. My daughter introduced me to Brene Brown’s book, “Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Heart,” I have found myself picking it up more than once to revisit and refuel. Brene identified 4 leadership skills; Rumbling with vulnerability, living your values, braving trust, and learning to rise. I find these topics of vulnerability and courage so valuable to the individuals I meet with, no matter what age, we all need to get out of the “cheap seats” and, like Brene says, “step into the area.”

Tell us about a time during COVID-19 that you felt successful as an educator.

Over the past year, it is hard to pinpoint one specific moment where I felt successful. The program progressing is a daily success, individual families asking for help is a success, learning new skills such as; reading to understand a job posting, typing to submit a resume are all individual successes, finding housing and helping a family feel safe and secure is a success, hearing that a teen is consistently attending school is a success. The hard work that students and families put in every day is a success, even if the outcome is not immediate.

What was something that surprised you about working in education?

One thing that has surprised me about working in education is how little some of us know about our students’ lives after 2:30 pm. My work focuses primarily on the food insecure and homeless population within our school district. Our McKinney-Vento population has seen a rise since COVID-19. The definition of “Homeless” goes way beyond those living outside of four walls. The families have been here all along, I think this pandemic has heightened our awareness of the number of struggling families and we are getting better at identifying them sooner rather than later.

What is one local, state, or national education issue that you think more people should be thinking/talking about?

The local, state and national issues that I believe we need to target are mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness. I know these are heavy topics as local communities and states are doing what they can to combat one or all issues, but the demand for services is outweighing the population. I witness this every day, whether at work or driving back from an outreach event. When we can meet our students where they are, we can begin to address their social and emotional needs, then they begin to be present and not just here.

Describe your perfect day at work.

My perfect day at work would be, when all the hard work we have done has finally culminated into a housed, functioning family unit. I work with many families who are faced with unbelievable hardships. Many have lost custody of their children due to their homelessness and unemployment barriers. When I see parents complete the child reunification tasks, successfully gain employment, apply, and be accepted in a housing program they THRIVE! My students want what we all want. Together we work to regain control over our own lives step day at a time.

When did you decide to work in education and what sustains you professionally?

I decided to move into education after my time working with adult offenders at the Department of Corrections. I witnessed early on the need for intervention at a much earlier age. The part of my job that sustains me professionally and fuels me daily is the ever-changing dynamics of my position. I come to work every day filled with hope. Hope is all we have some days and it keeps me focused, driven, and determined to make changes throughout my school district. Some days we fall down seven times but stand up eight.

What do you wish more people knew about your job?

I wish more people could see the successes of my students and families, no matter how big or small. Meeting a goal of meeting one’s needs looks different to everyone. I worry about the stigma attached to my students and families who struggle daily with food and housing insecurities. What is commonplace for us is not for them. Walking into the classroom and being greeted with a smile goes a long way. My students want to be treated with the same respect that all students are treated with. We are all one student body.

“Be kind, always”

Learn more about the Teacher and Classified School Employees of the Year on the Educator Awards website.