Brandon Bailey, a dedicated fifth-grade teacher at Forest View Elementary in Cadillac, Michigan, has received the prestigious Michigan Lottery Excellence in Education award. This accolade recognizes his hands-on teaching approach and strong relationships with students, earning him a cash prize of $2,000 and eligibility for the $10,000 Educator of the Year award at the end of the school year.
The Michigan Lottery established the Excellence in Education awards in 2014 to honor outstanding public school educators across the state. Bailey, who has devoted 21 years to education, has spent the last eight years at Forest View Elementary, where he teaches math and science. His passion for teaching is evident in his commitment to sharing the love of learning through practical, hands-on instruction.
Building Connections in the Classroom
Bailey described his teaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of student involvement in the learning process. “I love to teach. I am passionate about it. I found it to be very rewarding to pass on the love of learning to someone else,” he stated. He noted that engaging students through active learning allows them to grasp concepts more effectively.
His nomination for the award came from Heidi Collins, a parent of a former student. Collins highlighted Bailey’s ability to establish trust and support students both academically and emotionally. “Mr. Bailey, without a doubt, goes above and beyond helping students surpass their expectations academically, as well as positively impacting their character, social skills and emotional development,” she remarked.
Bailey took particular pride in his connection with Collins’ son, who joined his class later in the year. Despite the late enrollment, Bailey was able to foster a meaningful relationship, discussing topics such as fishing and hockey, which resonated with the student and his family.
Acknowledgment from School Administration
The recognition has been met with enthusiasm from Bailey’s colleagues. Jake Wing, Principal of Forest View Elementary, emphasized that such awards shine a light on the daily efforts of educators that often go unnoticed. “There are wins every day in classrooms that people don’t always see. So it’s nice for him to get this recognition,” Wing stated.
Jennifer Brown, Superintendent of Cadillac Area Public Schools, also commended Bailey’s impact on both student achievement and classroom culture. “The historic student growth achieved in his classroom is not accidental,” she explained. “It reflects a standard Brandon set for himself through hard work, intentional planning, and a relentless focus on rigorous learning.”
Bailey holds a bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College and a master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he serves as the high school girls’ golf coach, further demonstrating his commitment to student development beyond the classroom.
The Excellence in Education awards evaluate nominees based on criteria such as dedication, inspiration, leadership, and effectiveness in advancing student achievement. Bailey’s recognition serves as a testament to the positive impact educators can have in fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment.
