Meet The Principal: Tijuana Baker

Tijuana Baker, the newly appointed Principal of loves a challenge. She is direct, professional, and has a determination to succeed that is apparent as soon as you meet her.

Baker feels that the single most import quality a Principal should possess is to have the courage to deal with situations that are not comfortable. “Principals must have the courage to face budget reductions, academic challenges and be confident,” said Baker, “We must focus the attention on what we can change in the classroom.”

Highland Lakes has been designated an "A"  school by the State of Florida for the last 11 years. A county and statewide trend indicates a higher percentage  of students are receiving free and reduced lunch. It has impacted Highland Lakes as well. “Last year 27% of the students received free or reduced lunch, the number has jumped to 31% this year,“ said Baker.

Baker says her greatest challenge will be to ensure that all students make academic progress.  Teaching strategies to help low socio-economic students make learning gains in math and reading are a high priority. High achieving students will be provided a rigorous course of study to help enhance their academic gains.

In order to improve the quality of education, Baker is direct. “If you have happy teachers, you have happy students,” she said. “We can change the way we teach. Teachers need to be empowered, and they need to be given the resources. We need to involve all of our teachers in the decision making process.”

Baker believes the parent plays a vital role in their children’s education. She advises parents to maintain the passion and Get Involved!

 “They need to expand on all the good things their kids accomplish, and target the areas of improvement,” she said.  Baker gives Kudo’s to the school’s PTA. She thanks them for their "herculean" efforts to support the school.

Technology is paramount at Highland Lakes. A new Exceptional Student Education (ESE) grant has provided 210 IPads to all ESE teachers and students. The school has 459 other computers for use by the 567 students who are enrolled.

If Baker could change one thing about how schools function, she would eliminate all of the academic and social, emotional, barriers for students, and give the teachers the freedom to enhance student achievement.

Highland Lakes has lost five teachers due to budget cuts. Although times are tough for teachers, Baker says that community support has been outstanding. Over 50 classrooms benefit from the schools Adopt-a-Class program.

Baker’s fondest memory of school involves a special teacher and her mom. She grew up in public housing, and was not living up to her potential as a student. Her middle school teacher Mrs. Poole encouraged Baker to take honor classes in high school.  Baker was reluctant. Her mother would hear nothing of it. “You can do it,” her mother told her. Baker took the classes, and it was the turning point in her life.

“Taking those classes, gave me the confidence I needed.” said Baker. “Today when I undertake a project, when I complete it, it’s better than when I started.”

Baker attended school in Pinellas County, and came back home after graduating from Florida A&M to become a student, teacher, and administrator. She earned her Master’s Degree from Argosy University, and is now pursuing her PhD.

After five years as a teacher at High Point Elementary, she spent two years as a Title I Curriculum Specialist at Sanderlin Elementary then transferred to Campbell Park Elementary where she spent two years as an Assistant Principal and three years as the Principal.

Baker has impressed Highland Lakes assistant principal Amy Hurlburt. “Her transition here has been smooth and seamless.” she said. “She exhibits exceptional leadership qualities.”

Other Facts-

• What is one thing people might not know about Tijuana Baker? “I sing and play the clarinet,” she said with a smile.
• "Daphne's Book" by Mary Downing Hahn was Bakers favorite book as a child. “I related to Daphne, she was different from the other kids.” said Baker.

Highland Lakes Elementary school is trying to raise money for a new playground. If you would like to help out with the project, please call Ms. Baker at (727)724-1429.