Spotlight: Brooke Bailey (WV '25)

West Virginia Milken Educator Brooke Bailey (WV ‘25), affectionately known as “School Mom,” brings warmth and wisdom to her third and fourth grade math classroom at Mullens Elementary, where she uplifts and inspires every student she teaches. Her innovative, research-driven approach transforms learning into hands-on exploration, like a mock schoolwide election connecting math, civics, and critical thinking. From mentoring fellow educators to leading local youth sports, Bailey’s impact reaches far beyond the classroom, shaping a stronger, more connected community. Bailey received a Milken Educator Award on November 18, 2025.

Milken Family Foundation: How did you feel at your Milken Educator Award notification?

I was shocked and overwhelmed. I still look back through my pictures and videos and get emotional about the entire experience. I still find myself thinking, “Is it really me?!”

MFF: How did students respond to your Milken Award?

I absolutely love looking back through the pictures and videos and watching their reactions. They are the sweetest little souls and still talk about it. Seeing their genuine happiness for me has been one of the best parts.

MFF: How did you end up in education?

I never saw myself doing anything else. My dad was a math teacher, my sister (now a principal) was a math teacher, and my brother is also a teacher. Many extended family members are teachers as well. I’ve been around kids my whole life. I teach and work in the nursery at church, and I coach elementary-age children in sports. It’s in my blood.

MFF: How do you define “success” for yourself and for your students?

I feel incredibly successful when students leave my class and say, “I’ve never loved learning math until now.” That’s a true achievement for me.

MFF: Who are your role models in education?
I’ve had so many wonderful teachers in my lifetime and have worked alongside many amazing educators. I started teaching at the age of 21 and needed mentors to guide me. My dad, Jerry Thomas, was not only an incredible math teacher, but his students truly loved him. He built strong relationships and connected with them beyond the classroom. As a child, I saw the impact that had on how students treated and respected him.

Another major influence in my life is my former high school science teacher and colleague, Lynn Toler. Her kind, gentle nature, combined with her knowledge and passion, has touched countless students’ lives. I saw her impact as a student and later as a new teacher working alongside her. I will always be grateful for the expertise and compassion she shared.

MFF: Your nurturing, relationship-driven approach has earned you the nickname “School Mom.” How do you balance that supportive environment with maintaining high expectations and strong academic growth in math?

That’s such a powerful question. The balance comes from being both intentional and consistent. I build strong relationships first so my students feel safe, valued, and supported—that’s where the “School Mom” role comes in. But from day one, I’m also clear that I have high expectations because I believe in what they can achieve.

In math, I balance support and rigor by scaffolding learning, using hands-on strategies, and holding students accountable for explaining their thinking. I focus on effort, perseverance, and growth. At the end of the day, my students know the expectations are high because I care about them as people first and students second—and that’s what drives their success.

MFF: How do you foster collaboration among teachers and families to strengthen student learning both inside and outside the classroom?

I see collaboration as essential to student success, so I work to build strong partnerships with both teachers and families. As the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) facilitator at our school, I help share strategies, plan with my team, and analyze student data to ensure we’re meeting needs across classrooms. We support one another and stay aligned so students have a consistent experience.

With families, I focus on clear and consistent communication. Whether through messages or simple updates, I try to provide easy ways for families to support learning at home. Overall, I want everyone—teachers and families—to feel like part of the same team, working together to help each student succeed.