New Jefferson Elementary School first grade teacher Bailey Willard entered the world of teaching for the first time last month. While she is barely into the school year, Willard already loves her new position.
“For me it doesn’t feel like a job,” Willard said. “This to me is something I love doing and it’s not a burden at all. I love coming here, working and seeing my kids everyday.”
Willard grew up in the Mound City area and attended Allen Community College to earn her associate degree. She transferred to Pittsburg State and earned a degree in early childhood education.
Upon graduating high school, Willard thought she would be teaching an upper level of education. However, her time at ACC opened the door for something else.
“When I first graduated high school I thought I wanted to be a facs education teacher,” Willard. “I decided that I always liked working with younger kids. I worked at Kids Kingdom for a year and that sparked a fire. I made sure I wanted to work with younger kids, which is why I went into early childhood education.”
Prior to being at Allen, Willard thought her hobbies — baking, culinary and cleaning — could turn into teaching for middle school or high school.
Her interactions with young children went beyond Kids Kingdom. She also worked at SAFE BASE, USD 257’s after-school program, and volunteered at church, Vacation Bible School and library programs.
Willard can go from taking care of infants at a daycare up to teaching third-grade elementary education.
When she graduated from PSU, she applied at several locations for a job, but targeted southeast Kansas due to the proximity to both she and her husband’s families.
Husband Sam’s family is from Westphalia. The Willards have one son and two dogs.
She student taught in Fort Scott in her senior year at Pitt State as her only classroom experience.
Willard’s transition to the teacher in charge has gone well. She enjoys help from the staff at Jefferson.
“It’s good. It’s been really busy, but that’s expected,” Willard said. “There’s been a lot of firsts. It’s different than student teaching, but I love it. I love having my own class and students. I love being on the top of the chain instead of the younger one having to be under someone. It’s a good feeling to know that I worked hard to accomplish this.”
Her career is just beginning, but Willard hopes to see educational growth for her students. She is enjoying every day as she spent years preparing for this.
“I just want my kids to always try their best and know that I’m always here for them,” Willard said. “I’m always behind them and supporting them and encouraging them in any way I can. That’s my goal as a teacher is to be able to reach all my kids and help them learn to their maximum potential.”
Teaching opportunity abounds
