THOMASVILLE — Michele Baugh’s love of science and her joy of sharing knowledge with her students permeates her classroom. She’s a biology teacher at Thomas County Central High School.

“My love for biology and nature motivated me to teach science,” Baugh said. “Teaching allows me to share this love for biology and nature with my students.”

Raised in Brooks and Thomas counties, she earned a bachelor’s in biology and a master’s in education from Valdosta State University and an education specialist degree from Albany State University.

“I was fortunate enough to have several great science teachers in high school who inspired me to enjoy teaching my favorite subject,” Baugh said. 

She got the opportunity to become a TCCHS Yellow Jacket about 14 years ago and appreciates being one today.

“The administration and staff of Thomas County Central have always been productive and excelled in helping students grow as members of our community,” Baugh said.

Her confident teaching style, combined with her adventurous personality, creates a fun learning environment for her classroom. Baugh’s love for nature and passion for seeing her students grow blend to create unique and interactive labs and lessons her students enjoy. 

For example, Baugh’s most memorable teaching moment is establishing and monitoring the bluebird boxes on the TCCHS campus since it’s a fun, hands-on science experience that students find very enjoyable.

Many of her students find this activity memorable and cite it as one of their favorite class lessons. Student Jewell Bristol is one of them, and she appreciates how Baugh teaches her students standards and new information by more than just items found in textbooks.

“A memorable part is how we can go outside and examine the bluebirds either once a week or every other week,” she said. “Going outside and examining the bird’s life and lifestyle engages us students more than looking at pictures and reading a textbook.”

Baugh focuses on doing the best she can and nothing less. Seeing her students enjoy the things she is passionate about plays a big part in why she loves her job as much as she does. 

“I feel I can connect better with my students through activities that make learning fun or interactive,” she said.

Students find themselves welcome and eager to learn once they step into Baugh’s classroom. 

“Mrs. Baugh is one of the sweetest and caring teachers in the school,” ninth-grader Bristol said. “Even if you don’t enjoy science or biology, you will most likely enjoy it in her class.”

Her pupils attribute some of this to how Baugh takes her time to ensure her students are comfortable and engaged in a way that makes them happy to learn. Freshman Weslyn Miller enjoys Baugh’s personality, interactive and fun assignments, care for others, and teaching methods.

“I would definitely say that she is one of my favorite teachers because of her teaching methods, her advice, her care, and effort that she puts into students who are struggling, and the joy of walking into her class knowing that she will help you if you need anything,” Miller said.

Married for 30 years, Baugh has two children and two grandchildren. When not teaching, she loves to garden, solve puzzles, and go saltwater fishing.