Ashley Bailey is currently a 6th grade mathematics teacher at Bear Creek Middle School in Statham, Georgia. Hanging on her wall in her classroom is a picture she drew in kindergarten that says, “When I grow up, I want to be a teacher.” Teaching has always been her calling, and she hopes to inspire students the way she was inspired by teachers growing up. Ms. Bailey believes it is important to move beyond the “sit and get” model of teaching and engage students in hands-on learning. This approach nurtures student independence, motivation, and investment in learning. Above all, she knows she has done her job when her students show enthusiasm for the projects they do in class. Her best piece of teaching advice is to try something new, and if it doesn’t work, try something else. Ms. Bailey received her Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education from Piedmont College, Master of Education from Brenau University, and an Education Specialist degree from the University of West Georgia. She has been selected as teacher leader in Barrow County Schools for the last two school years. In this role, she hosts professional learning three times a year for teachers throughout the district. She also serves as a representative on the School Governance Team and a Digital Coach for the county.