Brandon Bailey, a fifth-grade teacher at Forest View Elementary in Cadillac, Michigan, has been awarded the Michigan Lottery Excellence in Education award. Recognized for his hands-on teaching style and strong student relationships, Bailey received a $2,000 cash prize and is now eligible for the $10,000 Educator of the Year award, which will be announced at the end of the school year.
Bailey, who has dedicated 21 years to education, has spent the last eight years at Forest View. His passion for teaching stems from a desire to share the love of learning with his students. “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,” Bailey stated. He believes in hands-on instruction, stating, “When the student is involved, they learn.”
Recognized for Impactful Teaching
The nomination for the award came from Heidi Collins, a parent of a former student, who praised Bailey for his ability to build trust and support his 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,” Collins remarked.
Bailey found the nomination particularly significant, highlighting the connection he formed with Collins’ son, who joined his class later in the school year. “We talked about fishing all the time. We talked about his activities — he’s into hockey. It resonated with his mom, so she nominated me,” he explained.
In support of Bailey’s achievement, Jake Wing, Principal of Forest View Elementary, noted that such awards shine a light on the often-unseen daily efforts of educators. “There are wins every day in classrooms that people don’t always see. So it’s nice for him to get this recognition,” Wing said.
A Legacy of Dedication
The impact of Bailey’s teaching extends beyond academic achievement, as Jennifer Brown, Superintendent of Cadillac Area Public Schools, emphasized. She remarked, “The historic student growth achieved in his classroom is not accidental. It reflects a standard Brandon set for himself through hard work, intentional planning, and a relentless focus on rigorous learning.” Brown further noted that Bailey’s commitment strengthens both Forest View Elementary and the district as a whole.
Bailey holds a bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College and a master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University. In addition to his teaching role, he also serves as the high school girls golf coach, contributing to his students’ development both in and out of the classroom.
The Michigan Lottery established the Excellence in Education awards in 2014 to recognize outstanding public school educators across the state. Nominees are evaluated based on criteria including excellence, dedication, inspiration, leadership, and effectiveness in advancing student achievement. Bailey’s recognition serves as a testament to the vital role educators play in shaping the future of their students.
