UA Little Rock Graduate Finds Her Calling in the Classroom

Bailey Ellis didn’t always know she wanted to be a teacher. In fact, after high school, she imagined herself becoming a beautician. But a feeling she couldn’t quite shake during college orientation set her on a new path—one that led to a degree in education and a lifelong career in shaping young minds.

Originally from Center Ridge, Arkansas, Ellis earned an associate degree in early childhood education from the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton before enrolling at UA Little Rock to pursue a bachelor’s degree in middle childhood education.

“When I graduated high school, I had dreams of going and being a beautician,” Ellis said. “I decided to take my ACT, get my basics, and then go from there. When I got to college orientation, I had this feeling of, ‘I should do something with kids.’”

That instinct led her to take a paraprofessional position at Bryant Public Schools, where she has worked for the past nine years. Over time, the experience helped her realize she wanted more responsibility in the classroom.

“It took me a while to decide that I wanted to have my own classroom and be an actual teacher,” she said.

Now living in the East End area, Ellis has balanced full-time work and school while preparing for her next step, working as a sixth-grade science teacher at Sheridan Middle School. It’s a milestone that Ellis says is a “huge accomplishment,” especially after suffering the setback of her home being damaged by a tornado last year. However, Ellis and her husband hope to buy a new home next year after she begins teaching full time.

Ellis said she chose UA Little Rock because she was looking for a school that was affordable and close to home.

“All the ladies such as Dr. Lundon Pinneo, Dr. Jessica Mashburn, and Professor Laura Langley have been so wonderful the whole time through the education program,” she said. “I have always admired the knowledge they have.”

She credits her teacher residency and work experience for giving her confidence and clarity about her career choice.

“While being an intern, plus actually working in a school setting, helped me feel more confident in becoming a teacher,” she said. “Being able to work in a school with my mentor teacher, Stacie Bratton at Bethel Middle School, was a blessing because I was able to have more time with her, while also having so many other people around the building as resources.”

For future students interested in education, Ellis offers this advice: “I think it’s a good idea to have prior experience being around children. Schools need people who are serious about working with students in more ways than just ‘teaching’ them. You are a leader, a mentor, a safe space, and many other things.”

Now fully prepared and inspired by her journey, Ellis is ready to bring that kind of presence into her own classroom.