Bailey Schwope

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I love helping young students learn how to be kind, caring people and standing up against bullying. Watching them grow and seeing that “aha” moment when something new clicks is incredibly rewarding. Teaching runs in my family, so I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl. I love making every student feel important and loved so they can be successful in a safe, supportive classroom environment.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching moment was listening to my former students’ speeches at their 5th-grade graduation and realizing how much of an impact I had made on their lives. They shared how special and supported they felt in my classroom over the years, and how much they would miss it as they moved on to a new school. Knowing I helped create those meaningful memories is something I will always treasure.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the $25,000 to continue my education and earn my master’s degree so I can become an even better teacher for my students. Investing in my own learning will allow me to bring new ideas, strategies, and tools into the classroom, better support every child’s needs, and create the best possible learning environment for my students now and in the future.