Last week, the Hastings Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau recognized Christy Baum, special education teacher at Hastings High School, as the Educator of the Year.
Baum was presented with the award Dec. 19 during third period when running between the classrooms she shares with fellow teacher Kallie Jonas. Baum said she had to be pulled into a classroom to be presented with the award. She was “completely surprised and shocked.”
Baum has been teaching for 35 years, the last 26 of which were in Hastings and is set to retire at the end of this school year. In her time as an educator, Baum has taught across ages in elementary, middle and high schools, while mostly working with special education students.
For Baum, that breadth of teaching “is all about flexibility.”
While Baum’s career has largely been centered on special education, the one thing she has learned is that “all of us are idiosyncratic with how we learn,” from audio learners to visual learners to those who intuitively take to one area or vocation over another.
She is also open that teaching is not a one-way street: “At all levels, I’ve learned so much. They teach me,” adding with a laugh, “especially about technology.”
Baum said she enjoys showcasing analogue tech like catalogues from “the olden days” to her students, who have grown up with internet and the dual boon and curse of social media which has changed how kids are kids.
“Being a kid is hard, and when I did something dumb as a kid it wasn’t on video,” said Baum.
Baum and her husband initially came to Hastings “looking for that small-town feel” and because of the school district’s great reputation.
“It’s all been amazing,” said Baum about her time in Hastings.
In fact, leaving this year is somewhat bittersweet because the 2025-2026 school year has been “probably one of the best years I’ve ever had,” said Baum. “I love it as much now as I did when I started out.”
Even residents outside of ISD 200 might recognize Baum around the community from her volunteer work at Hastings Family Service, teaching confirmation at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and pedaling the Rotary Club’s Trishaw bikes around town.
“I don’t know how I had time to work now,” laughed Baum.
Baum had considered putting off retirement for another year but decided against it: “I can’t work. I’ve got stuff to do!” she quipped.
That busy schedule might be enough to keep the rest of us occupied, but in addition, Baum has several trips planned for the new year.
Baum is set to visit her seventh continent next year on a trip to Antarctica, as well as a trip to Australia and a mission trip to Tanzania with Our Saviors.
Beyond that, however, she intends to spend time with two granddaughters, her own parents, and the little things like “ironing napkins,” and doing laundry earlier than 11 p.m. She is also considering returning to the classroom as a substitute teacher.
“Whatever I do, it will involve kids in some capacity,” said Baum.
In the end, with the award Baum wanted to thank the many wonderful teachers across the district: “I’m being recognized, but I’m just the spokesperson for so many amazing teachers.”