ABout Mrs. jirik

Hello! My name is Vanessa Jirik (Formerly Baker) and welcome to my school site!

I teach Visual Art, Media Arts/Graphic Design, Interactive Design (Animation and Film), and Photography at Lafayette High School in Lexington, Kentucky. My position allows me the opportunity to work with students in grades 9-12. This is my eleventh year of teaching, the last 7 of which I have been proudly serving in Fayette County Public Schools. I also sponsor the Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP). 

I obtained my degree in Art Education from the University of Kentucky. I also hold a Bachelor's Degree of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Watkins College of Art, Design & Film (a part of Belmont University), located in Nashville, Tennessee. Later I obtained a Master of Arts in School Counseling from University of the Cumberlands. I graduated in May '21 from the Principal Education Specialist (EdS) Program at the University of Kentucky. I'm currently working toward an endorsement in English as a Second Language (ESL/ELL) from Eastern Kentucky University. Lastly, I am also certified to teach English (8-12) and social studies (8-12).

I am a hard-working, creative person, and I have a passion for education. Raised in western Kentucky, I grew up on perseverance and aspiration, making art and loving what I do. I seek out new solutions to routine procedures. I am a hands-on individual, and I cannot imagine a career that does not involve working with youth.

For inquiries, please feel free to contact me via email at vanessa.jirik@fayette.kyschools.us.