Finding Greatness: Christian Baumgarth

Author: News Bureau
Posted: Monday, October 28, 2019 12:00 AM
Categories: Students | Finding Greatness | Pressroom | School of Education and Behavioral Sciences

Macon, GA

A UGA grad with bachelor's degrees in math and economics, Christian Baumgarth is building a new career in education through MGA’s Master of Arts in Teaching program.

Full Name: Christian Baumgarth.

Age: 23.

Hometown: Johns Creek.

Residence: Macon.

Family: “My parents are Douglas and Michele Baumgarth, and I have a younger brother, William, who is 19.”

Career: “Currently I teach mathematics in the Upper School at First Presbyterian Day School in Macon. I am also an assistant coach for the cross country and track and field teams.”

Degree Objective: Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus on Secondary Education.

Activities: “I am a student ministry leader at Northway Church in Macon.”

Career Goals: “Through my current full-time position and participating in the MAT program, I have found my niche in the world of education and coaching. I also aspire to be a head coach one day as well. Both of these positions allow me to help shape the next generation of great leaders, and I am grateful every day that I am able to do that. The best part about teaching is hearing one of your students tell you that you have made an impact on their life.”

He chose Middle Georgia State University because ... “I wanted to push myself further to strengthen my knowledge about the profession that I have grown to love. I graduated from the University of Georgia with degrees in mathematics and economics, but I did not have an education background. I was confident in my content area of teaching, but felt as though I was missing a lot of the skills that would make me the best teacher I could be. The courses I have taken so far at MGA have already helped shape me into a more well-rounded educator.”

His greatest academic experience at Middle Georgia State has been … “The one-on-one conversations that I have been able to have with various faculty members. Everyone on staff at MGA really cares and values your education and wants to see you succeed. I have never felt as though I am just another random student to them. They really take the time to get to know the students that they are working alongside. Even when the coursework gets tough, they are always right by your side ready to offer their assistance in any way needed.”

To him, greatness means … “Stepping out of the ordinary and challenging yourself to stand apart from the rest. Greatness stems from hard work and refusing to accept anything less than what you put your mind to.”

In five years … “I hope to continue teaching at FPD for many years to come as I have grown to love the faculty and community there.”