Dr. Audrey Marie Baker is a proud Brooklyn native and has devoted her life to advancing education in New York City and beyond. Growing up in Bedford-Stuyvesant and attending public schools in Brooklyn, Dr. Baker gained an intimate understanding of the NYC education system.
Early in her high school career at Eastern District High School, she was not only elected as the Vice President of the General Organization (G.O.), but she was also selected to participate in the Carnegie High School Intensive Instruction Program in Mandarin Chinese. Her outstanding achievements earned her the prestigious National Defense Foreign Language Fellowship in Chinese, enabling her to study at Columbia University. Inspired by her high school language teacher, who encouraged her to pursue a career in education, Dr. Baker set her sights on teaching and has since dedicated her academic pursuits to this goal.
Dr. Baker attended Queens College, where she studied Linguistics and Chinese. She earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Pace University, along with state teaching and administrative certifications. She also attended Harvard University, where she studied at the Principal’s Center and explored Critical Issues in Urban Education and completed the Prevention of Violence Program at Harvard’s School of Public Health. Dr. Baker is also a certified Mental Health First-Aid USA responder.
She is a Certified New York State Impartial Hearing Officer and serves as a NYC Commissioner of Deeds. She also holds an Ed.D. from the Sage College of Albany and an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters (DHL) from St. Martins’ College and Seminary.
As a District 75 Special Education Teacher, Dr. Baker spent 12 years guiding students through job training programs, supported them with IEP development, oversaw hospital-schooling programs, mentored staff, and coordinated efforts to prevent dropouts. Her leadership led to her appointment as Project Director for the Ridgewood Adolescent Day Treatment Center in Queens, the first program of its kind to be housed in a school facility in NYC.
For 13 years, Dr. Baker served as Assistant Principal across diverse environments, including schools for the deaf, general education curriculum, hospital-based programs, and facilities for court-referred youth. Her work extended beyond academics. She provided support for students with complex needs, including those who were autistic, bilingual, neurologically diverse, visually and hearing impaired, and young mothers. Her ability to lead diverse teams and provide innovative solutions for at-risk students was both impactful and inspiring.
Later, as Director of Pupil Personnel Services in the Bronx for 24,000 students, Dr. Baker coordinated district-wide initiatives to improve attendance, support medical and mental health, and address high asthma rates in partnership with the National Asthma Association. She was selected and trained as the Local Equal Opportunity Coordinator (L.E.O.C.) for the district, a role that involved promoting equity and inclusion. She tirelessly empowered parents, connected families to critical resources, and championed the rights of students.
Perhaps her most challenging and rewarding role was as Principal of the STAR Academy in Hunts Point. There she led a full-serviced middle school that housed a medical and mental health clinic, alternative high school programs for recently released incarcerated students, a junior high program for special education students, a 3Pre-K program, ophthalmologic services provided by Helen Keller Child Sight INC, a comprehensive dance program, and the community-based organization Pathways for Youth. Under her leadership, the school became a multi-site safe haven where students and families could thrive.
Since retiring in 2003, Dr. Baker has continued to dedicate herself to education as a consultant, as a City University instructor, advocate for students, advocate for those with mental health concerns, and advocate for the safety of residents in nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities. Audrey is a proud member of the Association of Black Educators Inc.; the NYC Middle School Principals’ Association; the New York Academy of Public Education (NYAPE); Outreach Coordinator for the 79th Police Precinct Community Council; member of Delta Kappa Gamma; member of Phi Delta Kappa, Pace University; is an ordained minister; is a licensed International Peace Ambassador and Chaplain; is a member of the Organization of Women Empowerment within the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (OWE-CSA); is a member of Black Ed-Fluencers United (BE-U); a member of the Long Term Care Community Coalition for Nursing Home Residents (LTCCC); member of the Black Caucus-CSA; the Political Action Committee – CSA; and her affiliation with organizations that deliver food to the elderly. Audrey has been a Board Member of the Tender Steps of New York, Inc. (TSONY, Inc.) for several years. She is especially passionate about school safety, anti-bullying initiatives, and creating vocational opportunities for students who are not college-bound. Throughout her career, Audrey has maintained a strong interest in combating human trafficking and remains dedicated to educating young people about safety and awareness. Dr. Baker remains steadfast in her mission to heal and strengthen the educational system, knowing her work has made—and will continue to make—a difference.
Over her 35-year career as a community educator, Dr. Baker has earned more than a dozen Board of Education licenses, served as an appointed chaplain for the God Ministries International Task Force, held nearly 25 summer school instructor positions, and was honored with the prestigious Legendary Leader Award by the Black Caucus of the Council of School Supervisors. In 1984, Dr. Audrey Baker was nominated for the prestigious Teacher of the Year award for New York State, a recognition honoring educators dedicated to the classroom and beyond.
After decades of dedicated service and impactful contributions to education and her community, Dr. Audrey Baker was honored with the prestigious President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024. This award, established to recognize individuals who have devoted over 4,000 hours of volunteer service and made a significant difference in their communities, celebrates Dr. Baker’s lifelong commitment to empowering others through education, mentorship, and leadership. In 1979, Dr. Audrey Baker was recognized as one of the Outstanding Women of America, a prestigious honor celebrating exceptional women who have made significant contributions to their communities and professions.
As a servant leader, Audrey believes that her responsibility is to give back to the school system and the community. She brings her diligence, compassion, perseverance, and educational expertise to create and support schools and communities for sustainable change. She continues to contribute a high level of commitment to uplift the care of humanity. Lastly, Audrey is deeply grateful for her parents’ unwavering advocacy for education from a young age. Their dedication to exposing her and her twin sister to cultural experiences and religious studies laid the foundation for Audrey’s success. This allowed Audrey to thrive both personally and professionally throughout her life and career. Audrey continues to serve her community and remains a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church.
Dr. Baker knows that her mission on earth is not to be served, but to serve.
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