Tammy Baker
Librarian at Grand Rapids Christian Middle School

Why did you decide to become an educator?  
When I started at Calvin College, I thought I wanted to be a social worker. As a sophomore, I was one of the last students to register for second semester and the choices for interim were slim. I chose a course called "Permutations of Love". The professor for the class was Dr. Stanley Wiersma and he made me see literature in a new way. I was always an avid reader, but not a thoughtful one. When the class was finished, he recommended that I switch to being an English major and teach students to think deeply about God, love and literature.

How many years have you been working in Christian education, and how long have you been working at Grand Rapids Christian? 
Almost 40 years in Christian education, 30 years with Grand Rapids Christian Schools

What schools/buildings have you worked at either before coming to GRCS or while at GRCS? 
West Side Christian Junior High ELA Teacher 1983 - 1988 
West Side Christian Librarian 1988 - 1991
Seymour Christian Librarian 1992 - 1997
Creston Christian Librarian and Computer Coordinator 1997 - 2004
Grand Rapids Christian Middle School 2004 - 2022

Favorite Verse:
In Isaiah 41:10 God says to “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This verse was the theme of the first mission trip I participated in when I was 14 and has continued to remind me of God’s faithfulness and love.

Do you have a favorite year that you worked or a favorite memory? What made this stand out in your mind?
When I started at Seymour there were 5 other librarians who were working in our district. We worked on building our library programs into excellent learning experiences for our students. We shared our love for research and reading and had a lot of fun in the process. I also really enjoyed the first year of the consolidation of GRCMS because I shared the library with Margo DeMoor. 

Tell about a moment in your career that you will never forget, possibly at an event or with a student or co-worker. 
Having Joel Tanis work with students to create a mural at GRCMS has been on my bucket list ever since GRCMS moved from the Sylvan campus. It was wonderful to have Joel work with our students this year and create 7 murals focusing on the Portrait of a Graduate. These murals are now hanging in the GRCMS Learning Commons. It was also wonderful to work in the same schools that my children attended. 

Tell about your most significant learning experience either from a colleague, student, parent, or Professional Development Day. 
Developing a library collection that is deep, wide and varied has been a passion for me. Rudine Sims Bishop wrote the article “Mirrors, Windows, Sliding Glass Doors” in which she said that all students should walk into a school and see themselves on the cover of a book. I have really taken this to heart. Professional Development with Julian Newman has helped me realize the importance of Cultural Competency in my role in our school. Having students walk into the library empty handed and walk out with a book already open never stops being thrilling.

What are you looking forward to, or what is your next adventure? 
Snorkeling with humpbacks, scuba diving, working on ways to save coral reefs, volunteering, attending a Bible study during the day, etc. When people ask me about my favorite things, I say reading and spending time underwater. Maybe I can figure out how to do both at once?

When I first started working on my master's degree in Library and Information Studies in 1986, I had no idea what a varied and wonderful career I was beginning. It truly has been the best job imaginable and most of that is from working with wonderful administrators, colleagues and students. I am thankful that Grand Rapids Christian Schools recognizes the importance of employing certified librarians and I am thankful to God for the blessings he has bestowed on me!