Have you ever heard the saying, “Not all superheroes wear capes?” This could be said for every teacher out there. However, some teachers take it above and beyond when it comes to teaching, and these superheroes in disguise receive the recognition they deserve each month.

On October 31st, the September Employees of the Month were released, and our very own Bulldog, Mrs. Baltajian, formerly Miss Furkert, was selected as Sierra Linda’s Employee of the Month. Mrs. Baltajian is an English teacher with an immense passion for books, literature, and most importantly, her teaching. Walking into her classroom, one can feel how engaged the students are and how passionate discussions become. Many students admire her teaching style because it is both professional and humorous, she stops at nothing to make her class accommodating for every student.

Below is what Mrs. Baltajian had to say about her recent achievement as Employee of the Month.

Q: Is this your first time being selected as Employee of the Month?

“Yes, it is!  I’m so excited!”

Q: In your opinion, what extra actions did you take that qualified you for Employee of the Month?

“I was nominated by the English department chair Ms. Ramirez.  In her letter, she talked about my work ethic and kindness, which was so nice to hear.  Earlier in the year, I had recruited some students to help decorate the teacher work room.”   

Q: What is your favorite part of being an English teacher here at SL?

“The students are my favorite part!  I am so fortunate to have been able to teach many of my students twice. My first three years here, I taught all freshmen; now I am teaching my third year of seniors.  I love seeing how much they have grown since freshman year and then watch them cross the stage at graduation. I also love my fellow English teachers.  We are the best department at the school!  We make each other laugh on a daily basis.”

Q: What difficulties do you face being an English teacher?

“The biggest difficulty I have being an English teacher is the stack of senior papers I have to grade every spring!  As much as the students dread writing the papers, we teachers dread grading them.  However, I do love seeing the look of accomplishment on students’ faces when they are finally done with the paper and have earned a passing grade.  After completing such a difficult task, they look like they can take on the world!”

Q: What is your overall motivation or teaching motto?

“On my wall there is a quote by Malcolm Gladwell: “Talent is the desire to practice.”  It’s the idea that we become good at things because we have a passion for them and work hard for them, and I believe this is true.”

Q: Being Employee of the month makes you an exemplary model for other teachers. What advice would you give to them?

“This question feels so strange to answer!  This is my sixth year at Sierra Linda (my 7th year total of teaching), and I still feel like a beginner.  There is still so much I want to improve about my own teaching.  If I were to give advice to other teachers, it would be to stay positive and always believe the best in your students.  If you believe they can accomplish anything, then they will!”

Mrs. Baltajian clarifying a topic in “A Room of One’s Own”  for senior Kalin Burgess.

Active book discussion going on in AP Senior English, Period 2.

Mrs. Baltajian always looking for a good read!