Lyndonville teacher wins ‘Better Beginnings’ state award
Photos courtesy of Leylah Huzair: John Bailey, a Lyndonville elementary band teacher, was presented with the Helen Bach Moss Memorial Better Beginnings Award during last week’s band concert. The award is given the by the New York State Education Department.
LYNDONVILLE – A Lyndonville elementary school teacher who last week won the school district’s first-ever “Educator of the Year” award has added another prestigious honor.
John Bailey was recognized with a state “Better Beginnings Award” during last Thursday’s elementary concert.
Bailey, 27, is finishing his fifth year at Lyndonville. He is a high-energy teacher, inspiring students of all backgrounds and skill levels to work hard in band, and in other classes and activities at Lyndonville.
Bailey pushes his students to excel, with a nurturing approach. He uses that same style as the JV girls softball coach, helping the team to win games with skills, and not looking for scapegoats in defeat.
Bailey last year worked with Best to start a marching band for the annual Fourth of July Parade. There are nearly 100 students in the band. Working with that group extends the school year for Bailey. Other teachers are happily enjoying summer vacation while he is getting students ready for the parade.
Elementary Principal Dr. Elissa Smith nominated Bailey for the Helen Bach Moss Memorial Better Beginnings Award presented by the New York State Education Department.
The spirit of the award is that better beginnings make stronger completions. The honor recognizes teachers who are skilled at engaging young minds and developing nurturing relationships with elementary school students.
Dr. Michael Moss, founder of the award, attended the Lyndonville concert and presented Bailey with a plaque.
“This achievement speaks to the powerful impact that a teacher like you can have on education,” Dr. Moss told Bailey.
John Bailey is pictured with Dr. Michael Moss, left, and Dr. Elissa Good, principal of the elementary school and Bailey’s nominator for the award, which includes a $1,000 stipend. The award was created to honor Helen Bach Moss, a young educator who died suddenly in 1988, after touching the lives of many people.
