English and journalism teacher Kit Harris has recently been awarded the Baldwin High School Teacher of the Month for January. He was selected for this award because he is really busy during the winter semester with wrestling and teaching and he balances it all really well.

Q. How did you feel when you were told you had won?

A. My first thought was ‘C’mon on there are some really good teachers in this building” and my next thought was “Oh cool, what did I win?’

Q. How long have you been teaching?

A. Since the spring of ‘96, 19 years

Q. Why did you become a teacher?

A. My family is full of educators so it was one of the career options I was considering. I first applied for a job in 1996 at Topeka West High School. I enjoyed the job, at first and eventually the profession.

Q. What do you enjoy most about teaching?

A. I’ve realized how important of a job it is guiding and helping kids in a good career direction. And it’s also a lot of fun. I’m not sure there are many jobs that could possibly be as fun as this, while at the same time having a tremendous impact on society. I truly believe that.

Q. If you could give one piece of advice to your students what would it be?

A. Take school seriously and take advantage of your high school years. Be responsible, respectful and work hard and never forget to have a lot of fun along the way.