Nathan Bailey is a 4th grade teacher at the Corry Intermediate School.
It's his 11th year teaching at the school and making a difference. Like all Golden Apple teachers, he's passionate about his work.
"Making a place the kids do truly enjoy coming to and building up good characters and making good citizens. Helping them academically along the way but just making them good people," said Nathan Bailey, Golden Apple Award-winning teacher.
Bailey's secret sauce for success in the classroom involves doing whatever it takes to connect with the kids -- even if it's dancing an Irish jib on St. Patrick's Day.
"Creating relationships with the kids so they know they can trust and respect each other and to be able to be open and come to me in confidence, when it's good or when it's bad. That relationship can open so many doors to creating positive teaching and learning.
This week's student nominator said she cried when she had to leave Bailey's classroom at the end of last school year because he's the best teacher ever.
"Mr. Bailey always made learning fun and always put a smile on my face every single day," said Jillian Bisbee, student nominator.
"He's teaching the content but he's doing it through his number one goal, which is connecting and teaching students," said Mary Jo Melvin, Penn West University.
And for that, Big Ideas Learning also honored Bailey with a cash gift.
"Big Ideas Learning is proud to sponsor teachers like Mr. Bailey with a donation for him to continue that fun he has in his classroom throughout the school. We're very thankful to continue to support teachers like Mr. Bailey," said Carissa Snarski, Big Ideas Learning.
A bittersweet moment in the Corry School District - -after 11 years, Bailey is leaving the school and will soon be part of the educational team at the Fort Leboeuf School District.
Congratulations Nathan Bailey, this week's JET 24 Penn West University's Golden Apple Award winner!