Sara Bailey named K-M Teacher of the Year

Sara Bailey enjoys that in her work, she gets to teach her students for their entire elementary school experience “so I get to know them and their families and watch their growth,”

Bailey was recently named Teacher of the Year for Kasson-Mantorville Public Schools. As humble as they come, she didn’t have much to say about her latest, greatest achievement.

A special education teacher for grades kindergarten through fourth grade, Bailey has been teaching at Kasson-Mantorville Elementary School for four years.

She was announced as Teacher of the Year during her first week back at school this fall. “I was surprised,” she said. “I did not expect it.”

Nicole Kujath, special education director for the K-M district and Bailey’s supervisor, was on the interview team that hired Bailey and said she’s not surprised by her subsequent success.

“Sara embodies the true spirit of teaching,” Kujath said of Bailey, “someone whose impact extends far beyond the classroom walls. She has exemplified what it means to be an extraordinary educator, going above and beyond in every sense of the word. Sara’s tireless efforts have made a profound difference in the lives of our students.”

Bailey is not only an educator, Kujath went on, but also a mentor, a friend and a source of unwavering support for her students. She has created an inclusive and nurturing environment where every student, regardless of their abilities, feels valued and cherished.

“Sara has worked tirelessly to help her students not only excel academically and functionally but also thrive emotionally, ensuring that each child is not just educated but happy,” Kujath said.

As Teacher of the Year, Bailey was featured in the homecoming parade and announced at the homecoming football game last Friday. The award is one given by peers.

Prior to K-M, Bailey taught in Byron, Plainview and in Wisconsin schools. She got her undergraduate degree from Winona State University in 2009.

A Kasson native, Bailey graduated from K-M High School in 2005 and is back living in Kasson with her husband and three kids. She and her husband Paul have Kaden, 10, Tessa, 7, and Payton, 2. Away from work, she enjoys doing projects around their house, hanging out with her kids and spending time outside.