For example, on a typical day a visitor may walk in while the class is in the midst of a writing exercise. Soft Irish instrumental music plays in the background. Students acknowledge the visitor with a look, smile or soft hello then continue about the work at hand. The comfort level is apparent. As Mrs. Bailey conferences with students individually as well as making suggestions to the class as a whole, the tone of the interaction is not of a teacher to student, but more a conversation and sharing between friends.
Kids spend the majority of their day in the classroom.
Something that means the most to Bailey as a teacher is the fact that she maintains relationships with many of her previous students. The fact that they were a significant part of each other's lives allows her to still benefit today from those relationships. I revel in their successes, she says. I am touched when told stories or given essays from parents and teachers where my students have written telling of the significant influence I have had on their educational experience. I am thrilled when a previous student asks me for academic help or advice.