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Mike Baker, Education Guardian columnist, died Friday at the age of 55. In this case, those who read it and know what honor

In April last year, I was delighted to catch up with my old sparring education Mike Baker, during a reception for our former colleague Donald MacLeod keeper, who was seriously injured after being hit a car by police. Mike happily chaired a roundtable education correspondents, as they were subjected to interrogation by senior public relations. It was only later that I learned that day, Mike received his devastating diagnosis of lung cancer - which was to claim his life at the end of last week. Mike was typical to accomplish this:. Professional, friendly, modest and loyal

Mike continued to write his regular column for Education Guardian - and his award-winning blog-cancer until she was too ill to continue. I've never heard anyone in education or journalism, to say a word against him.

Michael Gove, education secretary

is incredibly cruel Mike Baker died so young. His family has lost a wonderful man, admired by all who knew him. Mike was the authority figure in journalism education - respected by other professionals in the attention to detail, fairness and commitment passionate about it. His reports helped millions enjoy what we have with the teachers and how education can transform lives. For those who are involved in policy formulation, the test was the most difficult Baker - Mike think that our ideas? No other journalist education was so scrupulous, origin or penetrating. His report was informed by a thorough knowledge and good judgment, his analysis was always balanced and put on the agenda.

Mike performed his illness with great dignity and it is very sad to see what was taken from us so prematurely.

Estelle Morris, Minister of Education (2001-02)

Mike Baker was simply one of the best journalists of education in the country. The relationship between politicians and journalists is a stranger. Politicians have their views on journalists covering favorably and those who do not. I never entered his mind to think that way Mike. He was always aware that things were. He was a journalist and knew the area better than most politicians. I have more than once turned to his words in an effort to better understand what was happening.

Mike was a lovely human being. He was thoughtful, never seeking the honor, trustworthy and reliable. Education and journalism have much to thank him.

David Puttnam, Chancellor of the Open University, founder Teaching Awards

premature death is tragic not only for the family he loved, and the many friends and colleagues who have admired and respected him, but it is also an incalculable loss to the world of education in general. This is a big claim, but in the case of Mike is justified because, in an area that is also capable of being fractured rebel, Mike was a very necessary and consistent source of knowledge, the meaning is not ideological.

Mike was an enthusiastic supporter and early National Teaching Award and eventually became a judge of influence. Their written evaluations of some of the potential winners are impeccable models affectionate enthusiasm for a job he loved and understood.

John Dunford, former secretary general of the Association of Heads of School and College

Mike Baker was the ultimate in professional journalism - capable of transmitting a story accurate, fair and concise, based on his encyclopedic knowledge of educational policy. When interviewed by Mike was always a pleasure. He was really interested in what he had to say. His questioning was never silent and incisive angle, but he was willing to get the interviewee.

remember his inaugural lecture as Visiting Professor at the Institute of Education, London, where he lifted the lid of the secrets of the BBC statement. How we do it every day, often in a very short time? Here was a man at the top of his profession, he has always kept a kind, attentive without being a grain of arrogance or self-promotion.

David Bell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading

first time I was interviewed by Mike just after I took office as chief inspector of schools in England. In the following article, I described as resembling Mr. McKay, the fierce guardian Scottish immortalized by Fulton McKay in the BBC comedy series Porridge. Long after, that's how I met during a trip across the country.

Over the years, Mike has proven cutting analyst and commentator. When is Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, used to say - not entirely in jest, if managers read your blog weekly BBC political ministers have said. This is serious, and the mark of the reporting and Mike was his ability to explain complex issues in a very simple, but not condescending.

already miss the distinctive voice of reason and common sense personified as Mike Baker. The world of education in English will be much poorer without him.

Chris Woodhead, former chief inspector of schools, a Professor of Education at the University of Buckingham

Shortly after Ron Dearing took responsibility for the reform of the national curriculum in the 90s, he turned to me with a cup of coffee and said, "Why is it that the world Education is so unpleasant? I have worked in many areas of public administration, and I have never met such animosity and resentment. "He paused, then added:" ... But there is an exception to the BBC correspondent Mike Baker is a true gentleman "

He was right. Mike, I must have interviewed dozens of times in the 1990s. Never had anything gay, courteous, knowledgeable and completely professional. I suspected that I got to know that, deep down, you probably do not agree on what to do to raise the standard of English in schools, but never for a moment let his personal opinions interfere. I knew that a good journalist honored with the distinction between comment and reporting on all things.

David Blunkett, Secretary of State for Education (1997-2001)

Mike Baker was not only one of the best journalists I've ever met, but one of the most reliable thanks. He mixed a total commitment to his love of teaching with a journalistic gaze for more details. Could distinguish between innovation and declamations mode origin and development of interest. He will be greatly missed.

Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers

Mike Baker was a journalist of great integrity and knowledge which was really interesting and humorous. Speaking to Mike was always a pleasure, never had a conversation with him when he smiled, which made me immediately the same thing. There are very few people, unless teaching is your profession, had heard that Mike did. Mike Baker was a sincere seeker of truth, and he believed that all those involved in education should be given the space to express their views. His death is a great loss for education.

Matthew Lumby, former director of communications, Ofqual

worked with Mike for over 10 years, starting with me as a young press officer Mike and BBC top. There has never been anything but a pleasure to work with, always helpful and understanding.

Mike met in late 1980 at the University of Surrey in the depths, where I had to speak. In the end, I was very surprised when, out of the crowd, a nice young man came over and introduced himself as the corresponding education. Learn what had happened in London on public transport and taxis, he offered to bring me back. When I hesitated because I thought he was just being friendly, I supported, and nearly a quarter of a century later, I remember the conversation we had on the education we sped.

Subsequently, our work continues to connect us. I always liked to receive a call from him because he was very knowledgeable and ready to hear the evidence on the merits. Because he seemed to know more about education than anyone else knew, sometimes turned to him, and he has always responded quickly and politely.