From NBA dreams to making every day a slam dunk, Year 10 educator Mr Bailey Cole is teaching the way he’d want to learn.

WHY DID YOU WANT TO BE AN EDUCATOR?

I have been lucky enough to have several fantastic role models in my life – teachers, sports coaches, and members of the wider community. These people encouraged me to be the best version of myself and guided me onto the path I am on today. Being an educator allows me to have this same impact on others every day. I have always enjoyed seeing people succeed, and as a teacher, this is my reality. I get the privilege of witnessing the small wins that might seem insignificant to others but mean everything to my students and me.

IS THERE SOMEONE WHO INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A TEACHER?

Two teachers from my school days inspired me to become an educator: Mr. Christopher Winters, my Year 7 mentor teacher, and Mr. Andrew Osnain, my school basketball coach. Both made every aspect of school life enjoyable, and they remain sources of inspiration for me.

SO MANY STUDENTS ADMIRE YOU. HOW DO YOU MAKE THOSE CONNECTIONS?

I always reflect on the kind of teacher I would have enjoyed having when I was at school. I make an effort to learn about my students’ interests, whether big or small, and I share my own passions with them too. For example, my students never let me forget that Michael Jordan is supposedly the ‘GOAT.’ Ultimately, it’s about ensuring students feel safe, enjoy coming to class, and have fun while learning.

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR SUMMER BREAKS?

I usually travel with my fiancé. We started a tradition of camping in Kalbarri over New Year’s, but after losing a battle against the wind a few years ago, we’ve returned to travelling overseas during the summer holidays.

WHEN YOU WERE A KID, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?

An NBA career didn’t work out, unfortunately! But I was always interested in becoming a physiotherapist – probably because I spent so much time there with various sporting injuries.

This article was originally published in the Winter 2025 edition of The Wesleyan. To read more, click here.