Jim Ashcraft has taught in Baldwin for 8 years. Along with teaching, Ashcraft also plays tennis and ikes to build things. Jim Ashcraft plays a major part of BHS staff.
What subject do you teach?
“I teach Physics, Integrated Science, and have just started teaching Environmental Science and Robotics.”
How long have you been teaching?
“This is my 8th year as a professional teacher. I started teaching art lessons to my mom’s classes when I was in 5th grade, though, so I’ve really been teaching for about 26 or 27 years.”
How many years have you taught at Baldwin?
“Baldwin is the only place I’ve ever taught, so my answer is the same as the last question – 8 years.”
What are some hobbies you like to do in your free time?
“I play video games, I play tennis, I’m a bit of a handyman so I build a lot of stuff and work on my house. I’m hoping to get back into a hobby called Warhammer 40k, so I’m slowly building my modeling/painting workshop.”
What is one cool fact about you?
“I’m a college dropout. I originally went to college to be an engineer but only lasted for 2 years. I didn’t graduate college until I went back 5 years after dropping out.”
Where are you from?
“I was born and raised in Lawrence, Kansas.”
Why did you start teaching, and what is your favorite part of teaching?
“My mom was a teacher. Her mom was a teacher. There’s a common joke in education about ‘teaching being a hereditary disease’ and I definitely caught that disease. My favorite part of teaching is when I get to see a student who has been trying very hard to understand something to finally get that ‘lightbulb’ moment where they finally get it and light up like a lightbulb.”