A married art teacher in Kansas, previously recognized as Teacher of the Month, is now facing allegations of engaging in sexual activities with a 17-year-old student multiple times in her Jeep.
Nicole Hernandez, 30, also known by her married name, Nikki Baird, is accused of grooming the student, whom she first encountered in middle school before teaching at Wichita North High School. This comes from an affidavit that was referenced in local media.
The affidavit describes how the student explained that she befriended him and gradually isolated him from his peers. Their relationship reportedly became sexual in early 2024.
It started with her simple touches on his back and shoulders, evolving into more intimate physical contact, including hugs. At one point, she told the boy that her marriage was failing and gave him her personal cell phone number.
She allegedly sent him numerous love letters, with one stating, “I hope and pray that I will have the opportunity to be with you someday,” and another claiming, “I know that I love you.”
By the time he reached his senior year, they were meeting outside of school. With her mother’s approval, she took him on a trip to an arts center, where they held hands for the first time, according to documents.
The relationship intensified at school, where Baird reportedly kissed the boy’s neck during hugs and would often ask if he wanted her to kiss him. Despite his nervousness, he eventually agreed.
The student recounted that Baird urged him to “act normally” and to keep their relationship hidden from others.
During the last week of classes, she allegedly invited him to her office three times, encouraging him to touch her while giving verbal cues to continue.
On graduation night, Baird suggested they meet on a random street and inquired whether he wanted to have sex in her car. He expressed feeling nervous and pressured during this conversation.
Baird reportedly reassured him that it was “okay” since he had graduated, implying there would be no consequences. After offering him a drink, which he declined, she allegedly met him multiple times per week, engaging in sexual activities in the backseat of her Jeep while school was in session but he was absent.
As part of the allegations, Baird also sent nude photos to the boy, some of which he showed to investigators, along with the love notes she had written.
The student eventually decided to end the relationship, but Baird continued to appear at his workplace and would sometimes leave candy in his car.
Baird received recognition as “Teacher of the Month.” She graduated from her previous institution in January 2020 and was arrested on May 22, later posting a $50,000 bail to secure her release.
She made her first court appearance in June, facing four felony charges related to unlawful sexual relations with the student, with an arraignment scheduled for December 19.
