Hello! My name is Maddie Baird. I am a Bellefontaine, Ohio native. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to become a teacher, often creating lessons and fun scavenger hunts for my younger brothers to partake in. I graduated from The Ohio State University in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science. From there, I went on to receive my Prek-3 teaching license from Ashland University. While getting my license, I worked full time at The Ohio State Lab School, a Reggio Emilia inspired school, for a year. During this time, I learned a lot about how to implement explorative and child led learning. Upon getting my teaching license, I landed a job as a second grade teacher at Bellefontaine City Schools. During my third year of teaching at a public school, my husband’s job was transferred to Japan so I resigned my position and we moved. During my time in Japan, I finished up my Masters in Teacher Leadership. Once moving back to the United States I began praying and asking God as to what steps He would like me to take next. He opened my heart to homeschooling but I knew I wanted to teach other children, outside of my own two boys. I missed the classroom but I didn’t miss public education. Through multiple events, that I’d be happy to share over a cup of coffee, God heavily laid the idea of starting a microschool on my heart. I decided to be obedient and doors began to open up for me to do just that.

It is no secret that our educational system in America is broken. There is no one that will disagree with that statement. Instead of trying to fix the system from within, I’m excited and honored to be called to make a small fix to the system by stepping out of it and into obedience. I believe we cannot keep doing the same thing, trying harder, trying new government regulations, and expecting different results. We have to be willing to be bold and brave, trying something new. Our children deserve a better education.