At McCaskey High School, Mrs. Christine Bauer is more than a Language and Literature teacher. She is a guiding force for her students, instilling in them a love for reading, critical thinking, and personal growth. Now in her tenth year with the School District of Lancaster (eleventh if you count her student teaching), she continues to shape young minds with patience, high expectations, and a deep passion for learning.
For Mrs. Bauer, the best part of her job is the students. Every year, she looks forward to getting to know the talented individuals who walk through her classroom doors. She challenges them to engage with literature in meaningful ways, hoping to inspire a lifelong love of learning. She believes that a great classroom is never boring, and she strives to make each lesson engaging and thought-provoking. Her goal is not just to teach literature but to help students see its relevance in their own lives, making connections between the stories they read and the world around them.
Creating a Supportive and Engaging Learning Environment
Her approach to teaching extends beyond traditional instruction. She creates an environment where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, asking questions, and exploring literature with curiosity. She understands that each student learns differently and adapts her methods to meet their needs, ensuring that all voices are heard in her classroom. She values the way the School District of Lancaster allows students, faculty, and staff to express themselves in their own unique ways, fostering a community where individuality is celebrated.
This year, she has taken on a particularly important role in guiding HACC Bridge students—encouraging them to actively read, think, and write critically as they prepare for their first year of college. She recognizes that college readiness is not just about mastering content but about developing the confidence to engage with complex ideas and communicate effectively. Her students are learning how to analyze, question, and articulate their thoughts with clarity and depth. She takes great pride in seeing them grow as thinkers and writers, knowing that these skills will serve them well beyond high school.
Her influence does not go unnoticed by colleagues. A colleague who nominated her for this recognition spoke highly of the environment she creates in her classroom:
“Mrs. Bauer is the most calming presence in her classroom. She promotes learning at every level. She allows her students to show confidence in the classroom. She has high standards for her students and gets them through with her calming reassurance. She is a quiet but mighty presence on the C-floor of McCaskey. Her devotion to her students is unmatched.”
Mrs. Bauer believes one of the district’s greatest strengths is its ability to provide a space where everyone can express themselves and showcase their talents in their own unique ways. She appreciates the strong sense of community within McCaskey and the support that both students and teachers receive in their pursuits. She takes great pride in watching her students grow, knowing that each of them has something valuable to contribute.
Beyond the Classroom
Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Bauer has a spirit for adventure. A few years ago, she embarked on the trip of a lifetime—a fly-fishing expedition to Kodiak Island, Alaska. Just as she approaches teaching with patience and persistence, she applies the same focus and determination to her outdoor pursuits, embracing the challenge and beauty of the unknown. She finds joy in experiences that push her outside of her comfort zone, much like she encourages her students to explore and embrace challenges in their academic journeys.
Her love for literature shines through in her favorite quote from Romeo and Juliet:
“Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs;
Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers’ eyes;
Being vexed, a sea nourished with loving tears.
What is it else? A madness most discreet,
A choking gall, and a preserving sweet.”
A Lasting Impact
Mrs. Bauer’s presence at McCaskey HS extends far beyond the curriculum. Her calm demeanor, encouragement, and high expectations create a classroom where students feel both challenged and supported. She sees their potential even when they doubt themselves, guiding them to believe in their abilities.
As she continues to inspire students and uplift those around her, we are grateful for her contributions and the lasting difference she makes in the lives of so many. McCaskey HS is a better place because of educators like Mrs. Bauer.