It is a beautiful Autumn morning, and I am visiting a fourth-grade classroom that hums with the sound of students excitedly discussing a project on responsibility. At the helm is Baylee Derham, a teacher who believes her job is about more than academics—it's about building character, fostering resilience, and instilling values that will last a lifetime. To Baylee, teaching isn’t just a profession; it’s a privilege.

Baylee’s journey didn’t start in Knoxville, but in nearby Galesburg, where she spent her early years before her family moved to Knoxville in fifth grade. Knoxville became home, and after studying at Western Illinois University, Baylee knew she wanted to come back to give back to the community that had shaped her. This year, after almost a decade of teaching second grade, she made the leap to fourth grade. “I was a little worried they’d be too big for me,” she laughs, “but I quickly realized they’re still kids at heart. They’re curious, imaginative, and starting to come into their own. It’s a beautiful age to teach.”

But Baylee’s classroom is no ordinary space. It’s a sanctuary of learning and kindness, where the motto is simple yet powerful: “We are a family.” In Baylee’s room, students aren’t just learners; they’re teammates, collaborators, and friends. She emphasizes that while academic knowledge is important, it’s equally essential to teach students empathy, respect, and responsibility—qualities that, in her view, will serve them far beyond the classroom.

One of Baylee’s key tools in fostering these values is Character Strong, a program Knoxville Schools has embraced to build students’ social-emotional skills. Every month, the program focuses on a different character trait, from responsibility and respect to kindness and empathy. Through interactive activities, stories, and discussions, Baylee’s students explore each trait in depth. “Right now, we’re focusing on responsibility,” Baylee explains. “We’re talking about what it means to be organized, to set goals, and to take ownership of our actions. The kids love it, and I see them applying these traits in and out of the classroom.”

For Baylee, Character Strong isn’t just a curriculum—it’s a way to connect with her students on a meaningful level. She shares that her students are so enthusiastic about the program that they often continue their lessons at recess and even bring them home. “They’re so proud to talk to their parents about what they learned. I’ve had parents come to me and say, ‘My child is using these words at home—thank you for teaching them about respect and responsibility.’ It’s moments like these that make it all worthwhile.”

Beyond character education, Baylee’s classroom operates as a place of safety and comfort for students. Many of her students come from challenging backgrounds, and she sees her role as providing stability and warmth that might be lacking elsewhere. “There are kids who don’t want to go home at the end of the day,” she says quietly. “They feel safe here, and they know they’re loved. For me, that’s everything. I want them to know that no matter what’s going on outside, they have a family here in our classroom.”

Baylee’s colleagues describe her as a bright light within Knoxville Elementary—a teacher whose dedication goes above and beyond the call of duty. KJHS Principal Matt Maaske observes, “Baylee isn’t just teaching; she’s shaping who these kids will become. She leads by example, showing kindness, patience, and humor every day. We’re lucky to have her.”

It’s clear that Baylee’s students don’t just view her as a teacher; they see her as a mentor, a guide, and sometimes even a friend. She often tells her class, “We’re on this journey together,” encouraging them to take ownership of their learning and see themselves as an integral part of the classroom community. “They teach me as much as I teach them,” she says. “They’re constantly showing me new ways to reach them, new ways to help them learn. It’s a true partnership.”

Through her dedication, empathy, and innovative teaching, Baylee is building a future where students are academically equipped and socially aware—a generation prepared to lead with kindness and integrity.

As Baylee reflects on her journey, she can’t help but feel grateful for the chance to impact young lives. “Every day is a new opportunity to make a difference,” she says. “And if I can inspire just one student to see learning as a joy, to value kindness, and to have confidence in themselves, then I’ve done my job.