Laguna Beach resident Jennifer Baker was among 15 Orange County teachers honored for their exceptional instruction in the visual and performing arts at the Music and Arts Administrators’ annual gala in Costa Mesa.
John Bedell, president of the O.C Board of Education, honored each of the recipients at the Samueli Theater on May 3. Awards are given each year in dance, music, theater and visual arts at both the elementary and secondary levels.
The awards spotlight exemplary teachers and administrators who oversee instrumental, vocal, theater, dance and visual arts programs at schools throughout the county.
Jennifer Baker, who teaches about 800 students once a week in grades K-3, earned top honors for outstanding achievement in vocal music education for her work in the Capistrano Unified School District. She is the previous recipient of the OCMAA Irene Shoepfle Music Education Award in recognition of her lifetime achievement in arts education in Orange County.
During her 25-year career, Baker has taught vocal, instrumental and general music from elementary school through junior college. She is currently a primary music specialist for the Capistrano Unified School District and at Dana Point’s Broderick Montessori School.
In addition to her work, Baker is active as an arts advocate in her hometown. She is the district representative for the National PTA “Reflections” art program and promotes and coordinates student involvement in the “Color It Orange” and “Imagination Celebration” art festivals. She is the mother of two girls, Emily, 11, and Katie, 4.
