As an educator, she holds her job to a high standard. Paving a path for generations to come. 

 Bailey, a sixth-grade teacher at Grove Park Elementary, graced the stage on Jan. 22 as she accepted the esteemed title of the school district’s Teacher of the Year. There were tears of joy and shock, as the crowd cheered her on, including 10 of her fellow finalists whom she had held onto the entire time.  

 “Even when the announcement came, we were all holding hands. We were like ‘You’re amazing. You're a winner, regardless.’”  

 It was like a dream when she heard her name. And she still wakes up with feelings of disbelief. That evening, Bailey walked out with not just a new title to uphold and the keys to a brand new 2026 Chevy Trax, provided by Garber Automall, but also, a continued fervent will to uplift her students.  

 “I come in here and I pour my heart out. I love my students.”  

 Known for her ability to make math accessible, engaging and joyful, under her leadership, sixth-grade math proficiency at Grove Park climbed to 87%, a large increase driven by her belief that every student can succeed.  

Although she never set out to be a teacher, education had always held space in her life in some way. Even when she didn’t realize it. From teaching her young niece how to talk when she was just eight years old and joining the military when she was older to even owning her own daycare while stationed in Hawaii and participating in educational volunteering with her Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.  

 “It was always just something in me,” she said. “I always feel that’s everyone’s strongest weapon. Being educated. And so, my thing is, if I can pass it to somebody, that’s a must.”  

 Once she arrived in Florida, she decided to give it a try officially. She began as a paraprofessional for three years at Rideout Elementary, before starting as a teacher at Grove Park in 2018.  

 As soon as the morning bell rings, her days begin with excitement. Building a learning culture that feels safe. One where she’s not just a teacher, and they aren’t just her students. They’re a community.  

 A place where it’s OK to make mistakes, and students not only understand what’s right and wrong, but the various avenues to get there.  

 Students are challenged with early geometry, algebraic equations and ratios, using her very own “Gator Method,” which has become a Grove Park staple.  

 And her will to give her all is attested to her late nights and supportive attitude.  

 “I never clock out,” she said. “If they need me to answer, to explain something, that’s what I’m here for. This is what I choose to do.”  

 When she’s not teaching, Bailey also serves as a team leader, PLC facilitator and district leadership contributor through the One Clay Leadership Academy.  

 With her new title, Bailey said she’s planning to use her platform to continue advocating for not only students, but the educators who remain important pillars in building a community.  

 One thing’s for sure—she’s not stopping anytime soon.  

 “Anything I can do to help those around me, because that’s what we’re here for.”