Teacher Appreciation Week: Anjanette Baumgartner Supports Kindergarteners in Alton School District

ALTON - Anjanette Baumgartner cares about supporting her students.

Baumgartner teaches kindergarten at Gilson Brown Elementary School in the Alton Community Unit School District #11. This Teacher Appreciation Week, she is reflecting on how much she loves working with students and her colleagues to support the next generation of learners.

“It is the most important job I know. A kindergarten teacher shapes and molds young children. She has a lasting impact on each student,” Baumgartner said. “I love how curious students are. They are excited to learn and so funny. They have a great sense of humor. I love witnessing the breakthroughs they experience in big and small ways. They keep me on my toes!”

Baumgartner expressed her gratitude for the “great and supportive team” she works with at Gilson Brown. She noted that these teachers and staff members act as “sounding boards” and “cheerleaders” depending on what she needs every day.

Baumgartner must face the “challenges the kids bring with them,” which can be difficult. She understands that every child comes from a different background with different skillsets and levels of support.

As a teacher, it’s her job to “meet them where they are” and provide support in every way she can. While this can be difficult, Baumgartner goes above and beyond to support her students and be their teammate through whatever challenges they’re facing.

Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 42 years and her three kids and their spouses. She especially loves being with her five grandchildren. Baumgartner and her husband often take long road trips and have traveled to all of the lower 48 states.

Baumgartner is proud of the work she has done to support kids and help them become lifelong learners. She hopes her students remember her as a positive, loving adult in their lives.

“I have had the opportunity to teach many kids through the years. It’s fascinating to see what many have done upon graduating,” she added. “I always hope that I gave them a wonderfully positive experience in kindergarten, that the experience led to a love of learning and school.”

Thank you to Anjanette Baumgartner for your work as a teacher!

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