Teachers serve multiple roles throughout their careers. They are mentors, problem solvers, educators, and often do whatever it takes to make an impact on their students. Cindy Bailey, who teaches at Altus High School, is no exception to this. Bailey has been an educator at Altus for 21 years, and has taught AP Statistics, PreCalculus, and PAP Geometry throughout her career.
In addition to her role in the classroom, Bailey is also very involved in extracurricular activities by assisting students in additional programs and athletics including roles as the academic team coach, assistant golf coach, and technology coach. For Bailey, her goal is to help students achieve their goals in new, fun, and creative ways. To accomplish this she strongly encourages her students to think critically.
“My goal is to motivate my students to be problem solvers,” Bailey said. “Being a problem solver and a critical thinker is the most important concept I can teach students.”
Bailey loves her profession and helping students. She was first inspired to pursue a teaching career because of her own children.
“I have four children and I wanted to have the same schedule as my children so I became a teacher,” Bailey said. “It was one of the best decisions I ever made. I love my job!”
Bailey recalled when she first began teaching.
“I started teaching when my youngest child was in junior high so I actually started later in life than most teachers,” Bailey said. “I want to continue working as long as I love my job and I definitely do!”
This year Bailey is looking forward to the new school year and getting to know her new students, keeping up with familiar faces, incorporating new technology into her classroom, as well as the new season of academic team competition, and the golf season.
Bailey lives by two mottos, “Learn something new every day,” and “Never say I wish I had,” two concepts she tries to implement in her classroom and share with her students.
Outside of the classroom Bailey keeps herself busy with her friends, family, and hobbies.
“I love to read; play golf; watch movies; drink coffee with friends; and especially enjoy life with my husband, my 95-year-old mother, my children, and my ten grandkids.”
