Excellent educator strives to meet every student where they are
Posted on 11/20/2024
Stephanie Bailey, a fifth-grade teacher at Hagemann Elementary School, is Mehlville School District’s Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award recipient for the 2024-2025 school year.
The Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award is given to educators in the St. Louis area each year who are examples of excellence in their field. Each school in Mehlville School District nominates one teacher for the award, then a committee selects a district representative.
IMAGE: Bailey with her fifth-grade students after receiving the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award.
“I was shocked and humbled because there are so many amazing teachers in the Mehlville School District,” said Bailey. “I feel very proud to be a teacher and that I haven’t let any students down. It makes me want to continue to work harder.”
Bailey has been teaching in the Mehlville School District for the past 10 years. She sees herself in her students and wants to help them to be successful.
“When I was a student, I struggled, and I didn’t feel like I had the support I needed in the school system,” said Bailey. “That makes it very satisfying and rewarding for me to help kids move onto the next level.”
At the beginning of each school year, Bailey works to get to know each student personally. That includes learning about their academic needs.
IMAGE: Bailey watches as students complete an activity about decimals and place value.
“She is a master at taking that information and building instruction around the needs of her class,” said Dr. Julie Durham, Hagemann Elementary School principal. “She builds strong relationships with both the parents and students in her class.
Bailey began her career in international logistics, but after having children, she felt called to enter the classroom. She went back to school and began working as a substitute teacher in the Mehlville School District.
Her love of education is evident to her students.
“She has a passion for it, enjoys it, and is really good at teaching,” said Harry, a student.
IMAGE: Bailey works on reading skills with a small group of students.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Bailey is recognized as a teacher leader and has mentored newer teachers throughout her time at Hagemann.
Receiving the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award qualifies Bailey to apply for additional grants.