A farewell party for Janet Baker, a local mom and a teacher for more than 20 years at Malibu schools, was attended by more than 75 well-wishers, many of them former students now nearing college age, at the Malibu West Beach Club on Saturday.
Baker is a local kindergarten and primary school teacher who has taught at Malibu Methodist, the Creative Workshop and St. Aidan’s.
She was the subject of a Times story recently when she was evicted for living in a residence not zoned for rentals by city codes. She ended up living out of her car, as she completed the school year, because she could not find affordable housing in Malibu.
Baker plans to make her new home at the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, where her daughter lives.
Her students were eager to talk about the special qualities of their favorite teacher.
“She is really nice and if you have to tell her something, she is really understanding,” said Brianna Strange, age 10.
Another student, age 11, said, “I loved her stories. She was the best teacher I ever had.”
Patrick Stoker, age 12, said, “She is very nice. Everyone else is mean.”
“She is really cool. On holidays she puts up scenes in the room,” seconded Cory Bice, age 13.
Maren Jensen, age 9, said, “Janet is a wonderful teacher. She will make your life wonderful.”
Summing up her philosophy of teaching, Baker said: “I let the kids be themselves. They made the classroom what it was. How the classroom is decorated is their choice. If there was a bulletin board–it was up to them what went on it.”
Her son Cody, 21, was also a guest at the party. He will be staying in Malibu as he is employed in the film industry.