• Master of Education, Gifted Studies, Mississippi University for Women, 1993
• Post-master's courses, English, Mississippi State University, 1996-97
• Bachelor of Art, English, University of Alabama, Huntsville, 1976
• Athens High School, 1971

Experience: 23 years

• Limestone County Schools, 2005-present
• Madison County Schools, gifted elementary
• Huntsville City Schools, gifted elementary
• Cullman County Schools, gifted k-12
• Gardendale High School, gifted English 9-11
• Columbus (Mississippi) City Schools, gifted middle
• Heritage Academy, Columbus, Mississippi, English 8th, 11th
• DeQueen ( Arkansas) Middle School, English 7th-8th

Personal: Married to Hal Baker for 33 years; Hal is a career helicopter pilot, now working for Air-Evac. One son Jeff, daughter-in-law, Jennifer and two wonderful grandchildren, Betsy and Kate who all live in Montgomery. Grandmother was Birdie Thornton for whom the Birdie Thornton center is named; parents are Frank and Telula Thornton.

Other aspects of my life: Love God, love to read, go to the beach, swim, suntan, white-water raft, and enjoy time with family and friends.