As superintendent of the Hamilton City School District for the past 20 years, Janet Baker is passionate about character education. The foundation of the district’s character education initiative is built on the adoption of specific character traits, using research/best practices, and adhering to the 11 Principles of Effective Character Education.

During the 2005 school year, Baker made the decision to require the integration of character education into all buildings and departments in the District. Each building principal or department head developed strategies to intentionally model/teach character and to monitor the implementation of strategies. A district-level position, Director of Social Responsibility, was appointed in the spring of 2007 to oversee this growing initiative. Next, Hamilton created an infrastructure designed to include adults as character role models, elicit strong community support, and increase involvement from social service agencies and business partners.

Hamilton formed a District Character Advisory Council which provides valuable feedback and input every month. Partnering with the Greater Cinncinati/Northern KY Character Council, The Joe Nuxhall Character Education Fund, First Tee, and the Ohio Partners in Character Education has been beneficial in moving the program forward. Receiving the Ohio District of Character Award in 2010 and 2011 and being named Ohio School District of Character is a treasured accomplishment that has brought pride to the entire Hamilton Community.

Watch a video about the NSOC application process.

Watch a video of Hamilton City School District’s NSOC Recognition ceremony.

Printer Friendly