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Bailey Carlson is New Fifth Grade Teacher

WAITSBURG – New Waitsburg Elementary School fifth-grade teacher, Bailey Carlson, shares a similar philosophy as her predecessor, Gabe Kiefel, who will teach high school science this year.

"My favorite part of teaching is building relationships with kids and their families. I love getting to know the students and helping support them through education, life, sports, every aspect of a healthy lifestyle. I enjoy being another support system for them," she said.

The twenty-five-year-old grew up in Ellensburg, Wash. and earned her Associate of Arts degree through a volleyball scholarship at Columbia Basin College in Pasco. She earned her bachelor's of arts in elementary education from Washington State University.

After graduating, Carlson taught fifth grade at East Valley Elementary School in Yakima. She spent her second year teaching fifth grade at Lincoln Elementary School in Ellensburg, to avoid the two-hour daily commute.

Carlson said she loved both jobs but applied to Waitsburg because she wanted to somehow go to graduate school through WSU.

"My boyfriend's work had brought him to Walla Walla and he was already living here. I could attend graduate school through WSU in Pasco so Waitsburg seemed like the perfect opportunity. It seems like an awesome place and I've heard great things so I went for it," she said.

Carlson has enrolled in graduate school and will earn her degree through WSU Tri-Cities while teaching in Waitsburg. She plans to get a master's in educational leadership, and hopes to move into administration, possibly as a principal, in five to 10 years.

Carlson said Waitsburg may be the "tiniest town" she's ever taught in, but says she's no city girl.

"I grew up on a farm and was in FFA and showed steers. My grandpa was a cattle rancher and I've always been around horses, and rodeo, and done roping. I raised steers for college money and worked my way through college. I feel I have a connection to the (Waitsburg) community in that way," she said.

Carlson said that her favorite subject is math and that she loves teaching a healthy lifestyle.

"I'm big about talking about exercise, nutrition, mindfulness. I'll be asking, 'Where's your head at; How's your day going?' I want to help kids to create a healthy lifestyle in all different aspects of life," she said.

Carlson said she loves teaching, and especially teaching fifth graders.

"Teaching is my dream job. Right now I'm in my happy place," she said.

Stephanie Hinchliffe will Teach First Grade

Stephanie Hinchliffe will TEACH First Grade

WAITSBURG – Waitsburg's new first grade teacher is very familiar with the teaching style of her predecessor, Dinah Lindsey. In part, because Lindsey was Hinchliffe's own first grade teacher, who she loved.

The 35-year-old Waitsburg native, daughter of Howard Jr. and Marilu Smith was born and raised in Waitsburg. She was heavily involved in sports, FFA, and student government in high school and graduated in 2000.

Hinchliffe left for Washington State University the next fall where she earned her bachelor's of arts in early education, graduating in 2004.

"I knew I wanted to teach from early on. I had such neat teachers growing up that it had a positive effect on me. I remember Sandy McCaw asking us to draw a portrait of ourselves as adults and I drew myself as a teacher," Hinchliffe said.

Following graduation, Hinchliffe (then Smith) married high school sweetheart, Randy Hinchliffe, and returned to Waitsburg where she took her first teaching position, co-teaching Kindergarten with Pam Beasley. Unfortunately, she lost the position due to a RIF (reduction in force) the following year.

She then spent two years as a para professional in the Prescott School District working with ESL and reading students. Prescott had a full-time position opening the next year, but Hinchliffe was pregnant with her first child and knew she wanted to be a stay-at-home mom.

She left work to raise her boys; Preston, who is now 10, and Griffen, age 8. She has spent the last two years working as a substitute teacher in Waitsburg, and is secretary of the Presbyterian Church.

Courtesy Photo

Stephanie Hinchliffe

"When I would sub for Dinah she would sometimes comment that she was getting ready to retire, but then she wouldn't. I knew that if I went back to teaching I needed to be in Waitsburg because that's where I feel I fit best. This was perfect timing. My kids are in school now and first grade is my favorite grade. I'm super excited!" Hinchliffe said.

Hinchliffe said her philosophy toward teaching centers around a mutual respect between both teacher and student. Her favorite part of teaching is seeing a child's face when they learn something new, especially learning to read.

"I love kids and teaching is such a rewarding job. That look when the lighbulb comes on is all the reward I need!" she said.

Since she has already been subbing at Waitsburg, Hinchliffe said she already feels like part of the staff.

"I feel like I'm stepping back in as part of the team. It's a good group of people," she said.