My Story

Hi! My name is Mrs. Kleis/Mrs. Bailey, and I am very excited to join the HTe team in grade five! I am thrilled to be your teacher, and I'm looking forward to a year of learning, fun, and adventures. I can't wait to learn all about you, but first, let me tell you a bit about myself.

I have always had a love for teaching, and it has continued to grow throughout the years. Becoming an educator has been my dream and goal in life, and I am loving every minute of it. Over the years, I have pursued my passion for education, earning my Associates of Arts in Teaching in 2018, followed by my Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Special Education in December of 2020. Currently, I am studying for my Master's of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, as I believe in the importance of continuous growth and development as an educator.

Throughout my college journey, my love for teaching grew exponentially. However, it was during my student teaching experience that I truly discovered the impact I could have on students' lives. Witnessing their growth and progress brought me immense joy and confirmed that teaching was the right profession for me.

My philosophy of education is rooted in the belief that all children are unique and deserve a stimulating and inclusive educational environment. I strive to create a safe space where students can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially, reaching their full potential. As a teacher, my role is to act as a guide, providing hands-on activities and opportunities for students to follow their curiosity and make choices in their learning. I believe in fostering a safe environment where students feel comfortable practicing skills and taking risks, promoting their overall growth.

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an educator is making a positive impact on students' lives. I am dedicated to developing meaningful connections with my students and fostering their social-emotional learning. By understanding their individual learning styles and needs, I strive to provide the best instruction that works for each student. I am committed to ongoing assessment to monitor their progress and plan instruction that capitalizes on their strengths, promoting academic development.

My teaching style can be best described as diverse and student-centered. I advocate for hands-on, project-based learning that addresses the various learning styles of my students. By bringing a creative and positive energy to the classroom, I aim to engage students, inspire their curiosity, and encourage them to take risks in their learning. I firmly believe that when students are fully engaged, make personal connections with the content, and apply their knowledge to real-world experiences, true learning takes place.

Apart from teaching, I have a passion for making a difference in the world through education. In 2014, I went on a mission trip to Borel, Haiti, which opened my eyes to the power of education in transforming lives. This experience further fueled my dedication to creating meaningful educational experiences for students.

On a personal note, I was born in a small, rural town in Missouri and later moved to San Diego in 2020 before spending a year in Texas. I attended college in Missouri and worked as a first-grade teacher after graduating. Currently, I reside in San Diego with my husband, Connor, and my one-eyed cat, George.

As we embark on this educational journey together, my goal is to instill a passion for learning within all of my students. I aim to provide the skills, tools, and confidence necessary for them to succeed and embrace their dreams. I hope to be remembered not only as a teacher who cared about their academics but also as someone who genuinely cared for their overall well-being. Together, let's create memorable experiences and foster a positive learning environment that will make this year truly fantastic!

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I would like to leave you with two reminders I tell myself every day as an educator: "Not every student learns the same day or the same way," and "Teaching is a marathon, not a sprint." I stand firmly on these two statements and will ensure that my students receive the best education that works best for them.