Humanities Texas presents awards recognizing and encouraging excellence in teaching the humanities in Texas schools each year. On Monday, Nov. 5, that award was presented to Michael Bailey from Bradley Middle School.
“It was an easy decision to select Michael Bailey as the recipient of the Linden Heck Howell Outstanding Teaching of Texas History Award,” said Michael Gillette, Executive Director of Humanities Texas. “Other teachers tell their students about Texas history, but Michael Bailey clearly takes his students INTO Texas history in this magnificent complex. It makes history come alive.”
Bailey is the creator of the Mills Springs Cabin at Bradley. It was established in 1988 and began when a cabin from the 1800s was brought and erected on the school grounds. Over time, the cabin was joined by a general store, school house, trading post, and dinosaur exhibit. Each spring, students from North East ISD get to take field trips through the complex with Bradley students leading the tours.
Speaker of the House Joe Straus was on hand to make the special award presentation that took place at the Mills Springs Cabin.
“I’ve always been really incredibly impressed with the work you’ve done. I’ve been even more struck, by the docents that you train,” said Strauss. “As wonderful as the tour is, I’ve really been struck by how confident these students are. You are teaching history, but you are also teaching them confidence.”
Bailey received a $5,000 prize and $500 was presented to the school to go back into the program.
“There is no better way to learn Texas History than through the Mill Springs Cabin,” said Todd Bloomer, Bradley Principal. “Mr. Bailey has done the research, and no other public school in the state of Texas or across the U.S. has a complex like this. It is simply one of a kind - much like Mr. Bailey.”
“You know we are all Texans and it is our responsibility to promote and preserve Texas History,” said Bailey. “And I think we are doing a pretty good job.”
Posted on 11-5-18
