A former Kansas art teacher, once celebrated as “teacher of the month,” is facing allegations of engaging in sexual relations with a 17-year-old student, including encounters in her Jeep. Nicole Hernandez, 30, also known as Nikki Baird, is accused of grooming the student, whom she first met in middle school before they both transitioned to Wichita North High School, according to an affidavit.
The affidavit details how Hernandez allegedly befriended the student, isolating him from his peers before the relationship turned sexual in early 2024. The physical contact reportedly began with Hernandez touching or rubbing the student’s back or shoulders, eventually escalating to forced hugs.
Hernandez allegedly confided in the student about her struggling marriage and provided him with her personal cell phone number. She is also accused of sending him love letters, with one letter expressing her hope to be with him and declaring her love for him.
By the student’s senior year, Hernandez is said to have started meeting him outside of school, even securing his mother’s permission for a trip to an arts center where she reportedly held his hand for the first time. Back at school, the physical contact allegedly intensified, with Hernandez kissing the student on the neck during their hugs and repeatedly asking him if he wanted her to kiss him.
The student, who was reportedly nervous, eventually consented. Hernandez allegedly instructed the student to behave normally and keep their relationship a secret. She is also accused of inviting him into her office on three occasions during his final week of school, encouraging him to touch her.
On the night of his graduation, Hernandez allegedly proposed they have sex in her car, assuring the student they wouldn’t get into trouble because he had graduated. She is also accused of offering him alcohol, which he declined.
Following graduation, while classes were still ongoing, Hernandez allegedly met with the student up to four times a week to engage in sexual activities in her Jeep. She is also accused of sending the student explicit photos, some of which he later presented to investigators along with the love letters.
The student eventually ended the relationship, but Hernandez allegedly continued to visit his workplace, even leaving candy on his car while it was parked in his driveway.
Hernandez, who was recognized as “Teacher of the Month” in a January 2020 Facebook post from her former school, was arrested on May 22 and released within days after posting a $50,000 bond. She made her first court appearance in June, facing four felony counts of having unlawful sexual relations with a student. Her arraignment is scheduled for December 19.