Teachers of Promise – Kinzer and Brabender

Each semester, two graduating Baker University students are presented with the Teachers of Promise award from the School of Education. Melissa Kinzer, Olathe, Kansas, and Callie Brabender, Lawrence, Kansas, were chosen as the spring semester recipients.

Kinzer is an aspiring science teacher and is student teaching in the Olathe School District in a sixth-grade science class. Kinzer, who worked in health care for nine years before returning to school, believes that being named a Teacher of Promise validates her decision to become an educator and proves Baker was her best educational choice.

“My time at Baker has given me tools, resources and inspiration to be successful as a future teacher, and I am extremely honored and humbled to be recognized with this nomination,” Kinzer said.

Brabender hopes to stay within the primary grade levels and will apply for her teaching license in Indiana in May. She decided to become a teacher because she loves seeing children light up when they recognize that they have learned something new. Brabender says she is proud to represent Baker University School of Education, even from a few states away.

Kinzer and Brabender will represent the School of Education at the spring Kansas Excellence in Education Conference, where they will be officially recognized. They will also attend a workshop with other Teachers of Promise recipients from around the state.