February 10, 2025 — In 1980, as a young mother, Anne Baker wanted a job that allowed her to spend summers with her children. A friend told her about a position at Binns Elementary School that would give her that opportunity.
“At the time, the principal said, ‘I don’t know if I should take a chance on someone so young,’” Baker said. “He came back many years later, and I was still here, so yes, he made a good choice.”
That chance turned into four decades of academic excellence. In January, Baker celebrated 45 years as an instructional assistant at Binns. She now reflects on assisting the grandchildren of her first students and hearing former students call out “Mrs. Baker”, even in places as far away as Florida.
Baker’s role in the classroom remains as hands-on as ever. As a kindergarten instructional assistant, Baker spends at least half her day working with students, placing them in groups, and providing additional guidance. The second half of her day often involves office duties. However, she stays in her favorite place when there are no tasks to complete.
“I stay in kindergarten,” Baker said. “That’s where my heart is.”
For many at Binns, she is the heart of the school. So much so that on Jan. 9, her work anniversary, it was declared Anne Baker Day. Throughout January, the school celebrated her on multiple occasions.
Over her time at Binns, Baker has worked alongside just three kindergarten teachers. The third, Beth Eshelman, started in 2013. It was Eshelman’s first time teaching kindergarten, and relied heavily on Baker’s guidance.
“She took me under her wing, and she has taken good care of me,” Eshelman said. “She made me into the teacher I am.”
It’s not just Eshelman. Principal Joel Grant credits Baker’s knowledge of the school’s history, staff, and community with helping cultivate Binns’ positive climate and culture.
“She is the glue that holds Binns together,” Grant said. “She is[a] VIP.”
And she plans to stay at Binns for the foreseeable future. When her coworkers prod her about serving another 45 years, she chuckles. But for now, there is nowhere else she’d rather be.
“Binns is the best school in Columbus,” Baker said. “We are like our own little community. The kids and the families are just wonderful.”\
