Katharine Baggett

I attribute my success to my belief in the importance of education as the foundation for all other accomplishments. It has guided my decisions, shaped my career, and continues to drive me to learn, grow, and help others achieve their potential. I guess I have been lucky in all my education interactions, as I have never met a student or colleague that has not amazed me with what he/she is able to accomplish.....I am constantly in awe of what the next person has to say......I guess it is this innate curiosity that keeps me active in my job and associations; I never want to miss out on what the next generation will do.

The best career advice I’ve ever received came from many mentors. I learned early on that sometimes the most frustrating characteristics in another person are the characteristics that I, myself possessed:) So, taking those early moments of early introspection and learning from one of my earliest bosses in the charter school industry that standards should not be something we aim for, but something that start from has always motivated me to become better and have high expectations of myself and others. Most recently, I have been fortunate in my interactions with many other organizations and our New Mexico Department of Education....I learned again, that we must be both resolute and flexible in education. We need to make sure to embrace all the opportunity of the future while ensuring we do not lose the culture and strength of the past. Most of all, I have always remembered to treasure my those around me and laugh, as today will end and tomorrow we will face a brand new day in which I am sure I will additional moments to reflect on something ridiculous I did.

First, be yourself! In a world where we are encouraged to change via filters, AI and other mediums, nothing can be better than you. You are the first person and last person that you see each day, so make sure it is a person that you like. Also, remember that nothing is concrete, especially in education. Change is inevitable and it swings back and forth like a pendulum...what you don't like today will likely change down the road, so just be patient. Finally, I would encourage anyone to broaden your horizons in the world. The more experience and knowledge you have, the more you can understand and accept all that comes you way. Travel, go to conferences, take random classes that sound interesting and try to constantly expand your awareness of yourself, your community and the world.

The biggest challenge right now is trying to keep up with all the changes that are coming from external sources right now such as federal and state governments...even though some are outside our state. Each day there is another announcement about a new action, law or decision that will effect a student's access to education. It is really easy to get weighed down by all the negativity that is in the press and world right now. Fighting against such negative rhetoric is tiring, and I think challenging for anyone in any field, but especially for those in education because we are responsible for creating the professionals of the future who will critically think and act in the future, so the stress is that much more.....I think that is both the challenge and the opportunity. Remembering that we do have this influence and make sure that we give the necessary information, skills and opportunities to as many students as we can so that some day, they too can pass on the same chances.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are authenticity, patience, and perseverance. Throughout my 25-year career in education, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of recognizing and valuing individuals in their roles, and I strive to bring these principles into everything I do. Staying true to myself, remaining patient in the face of challenges, and persevering through change have guided me both professionally and personally.