05
View from the Valley
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
AUTHOR: MAGGEE BLEYER
Tosha Baker is the full-time business instructor for Wabash Valley College (WVC). Although this is her second year teaching full-time, Baker has worked in higher education for 12 years. Born and raised in Mt. Carmel, IL, Baker attended WVC and then transferred to Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC). She also participated in SIUC’s study-abroad program where she attended Grenoble École De Management in Grenoble, France. Baker has a master's degree in Business Administration. Baker’s growing interest in business and enjoyment of encouraging students to reach their full potential led to her becoming an instructor. “I found that I enjoyed encouraging and inspiring students to rethink limitations that they believe to be true about themselves,” Baker stated. “I am a first-generation student, and I wanted to lead the way and allow other students to go beyond what I did in my education. I was inspired to teach [business] because the majority of my family worked in a factory. I would often hear about managerial and team issues and that led me in my adult life to research best business practices. I looked for the truth in motivating others, leading teams, and the best way of taking care of staff as a manager. I believe that what I teach might not only help future business leaders but the lives of their employees and their families, which were like mine.” When asked about her goal as an instructor, Baker responded, “My mission is to inspire students and help them realize their full potential in pursuing business.” When entering Baker’s classes, expect discussion, hands-on activities, teaming, and the gamification of material. Baker’s style aims to engage her students and help them learn the class materials in fun, interesting ways. Baker also has lectures, but, as she said, “Sometimes [the lectures] turn into motivational speeches or larger discussions.” anhjdasddf
Baker teaches a variety of classes: Principles of Management, Introduction to Business, Introduction to Sales, Introduction to Economics, Human Resource Management, Advertising, Introduction to Retail, Managerial Accounting, and Principles of Marketing. She also arranges internships. Students who are passionate or curious about business can join Baker’s sponsored club: the Marketing Business Management Club. The club meets weekly to discuss fundraising opportunities, community involvement, and an end-of-the-year trip. While being a full-time business instructor, Baker is also on the Wabash Valley Arts Council and works part-time as the House Manager for the Brubeck Arts Center Theatre. Outside of working, Baker enjoys biking, trail running, and spending time with her family. She attends Bible studies and, in her words, “[I spend] too much time reviewing J.R.R. Tolkien’s works.” "“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
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