Amy Baker, 38

By Courtney Luke

"Don't be afraid to take risks," advises Amy Baker, the thirty-eight year old school superintendent of the Risco School District. "As long as you learn from them and a make a commitment to improve- it's going to happen."

Amy has found that the saying is true that if you find a job you love, you will never have to work a day in your life.

She has been pursuing her education continuously since she first began as a young child.

Attending the Risco School District, she is a graduate of the class of 1995. Following high school, Amy attended Southwest Missouri State University (currently Missouri State) where she received a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in criminal justice. In 2005, she completed her master's degree in counseling from Southeast Missouri State University and her specialization in educational administration was completed in 2011 from William Woods University. Also in 2011, she earned her certification to teach science.

Within the year, she plans to begin her doctorate.

Amy says that as a younger person who has been advancing her education and career, she has had to be self-disciplined. Though working and having young children herself, she has earned advanced degrees. This could not have been accomplished without that self-discipline and the help of her husband Joey. She knows she would not have been able to meet her goals without his support.

Becoming an educator has been in her blood, daily she sits behind the same desk her own grandfather, Robert Shaw, used while he was the superintendent for the Risco School District.

Amy says that whenever she and her grandfather are together- they talk about school. He has been and continues to be a strong influence in her life. She has saved notes of encouragement he has written to her.

Ron Cross, Risco's principal at the time she was a counselor there, was also a good mentor, encouraging her to return to school and further her education.

But even with all the positive influences in her life, Amy says there is one thing that motivates her the most, and that is the students.

She enjoys when a student who has completed a learning task or advanced in a weak area is excited to share their accomplishments with her.

Kids read to her and want to show her what they've done in school. Occasionally, graduates return, telling her about a new job or that they've almost finished college. Their progress keeps her going.

Amy is extremely grateful that at the age of 34, the Risco School Board gave her the opportunity to become superintendent.

"It's been a blessing to be involved and make decisions for such a wonderful school."

As superintendent, she hopes to continue to improve academic achievement, continue to retain high quality teachers, provide a safe and inclusive learning environment, and build strong relationships with parents and community members.

"Effective communication is the key. The more that parents and community members are involved, the more successful our district will be," she explained.

She also noted that the school has added several security measures over the past few years and will continue to monitor and add safety measures as needed to ensure the safety of the students.

The District has, this year, been able to purchase new curriculum that will assist in complying with common core standards.

Some additional goals she has for the school are to implement a work study program and continue to develop relationships with businesses that have provided and can provide in the future, internships.

Though she considers academic achievement a priority, Amy believes it is just as important for both the administration and the staff, to build relationships with the students. She realizes that in a smaller school district such as Risco has- that can be easily accomplished.

When the weather is warm, Amy and her family can be caught outside enjoying time together. They drive around in their Polaris inspecting the crops her husband farms. They grill, camp, cook out, and enjoy roasting s'mores. Annually, they try to visit a Gulf Coast beach and her children are involved in sports, Landon- baseball and McClain- volleyball and softball. Recently, she took up golf. She also enjoys reading and cooking.

Amy has several personal goals which including maintaining good health, enjoying more leisure time as a family, and to rear responsible, productive, and happy children.

She encourages others that in order to accomplish your goals, you should always have a plan and go for it.