Professional Development

2007 Heartspring Award for Innovation and Creativity in Special Education

Janet Baughman, Becker, MN
Janet Baughman is a special education teacher from Becker, Minnesota. She works with cognitively delayed high school students. She never creates new programs; administrators always get nervous about new programs because they might create another line item expenditure. So, she doesn’t call them new, just a slight improvement to a current program. She is most proud of her program that provides her students the opportunity to develop leadership skills by allowing them to be reading buddies with first grade students. Her high school students work hard to stay one step ahead of the first graders, and the younger students come to truly value their friendship with the older students. She is constantly on the lookout for age appropriate books, and libraries are always looking for her to reclaim their books.

Janet believes that students are always more important than things. Areas of study that deal with people and the human condition must continue to be at the forefront. Janet’s unique program is beneficial as her students develop a new understanding and awareness about themselves, others and the community.

Janet earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse, as well as a Masters of Art degree in Education from St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. She also recently earned her administrative licenses in the areas of Director of Special Education, K-12 Principal and District Superintendent.

Please join us as we honor Janet Baughman with the 2007 Heartspring Award for Innovation and Creativity in Special Education.