Alum Bailey Ubellacker pursues journey to impact education

University of Kentucky College of Education alum Bailey Ubellacker, Ph.D., is devoting her career to not only being in the classroom to help students, but also supporting fellow teachers and shaping the future of education.

From an early age, Ubellacker knew she wanted to become a teacher. Growing up in Scott County Schools, she developed a love of learning and built strong relationships with her teachers. Inspired by their encouragement, she knew she wanted to follow in their footsteps.

“Studying education seemed like a natural fit for me,” she said. “There’s so much to the world of teaching and I think that’s what interested me — knowing I could have a role in the classroom, but also in policymaking, supporting others, leading and innovating.”

Ubellacker’s journey is driven by her desire to create a ripple effect, starting with her responsibility to show empathy and care to students.

“Many of us can think back to those fond memories of teachers. The moments we are able to spend building relationships and promoting curiosity with our students are lasting moments,” she said. “The College of Education gives us the tools — the guidance, the growth and also the space to take risks, learn and innovate, all for not only our own growth but for the students in every individual’s life that we are able to be part of.”

One lesson Ubellacker has learned in her journey is that, often, there are no right or wrong answers while pursuing a career path in education — just different paths that may meander and frequently lead to the same destination.

While her curiosity and enjoyment of learning influenced her decision to start her journey at the UK College of Education, her desire to explore the various aspects of education led her to go beyond the traditional four-year experience. After earning bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and Spanish, with a minor in psychology, she continued at UK, earning a master’s in teacher leadership and Ph.D. in educational leadership, both from the Department of Educational Leadership Studies.

Perhaps foreshadowing her future, Ubellacker received the Teacher of Promise in STEM award while completing her undergraduate degree at the College of Education. Now, as a three-time UK College of Education alum (2015, 2016 and 2022), she teaches elementary mathematics and science in the Bay Area of California at Tessellations School. The school is a community for advanced learners who may have yet to find support and challenge in traditional learning environments, emphasizing a strong connection with nature, project-based learning and a holistic student approach through skills and competencies. The school aligns with her educational values, focusing on a competency-based learning environment, where creativity and adaptability are key — characteristics that have shaped Ubellacker’s own journey.

As an undergraduate, Ubellacker completed part of her student teaching in Auckland, New Zealand. She faced a tough decision when the school offered her a position to stay. At the time, she reflected on what she had learned so far, her prior work experience and where she wanted to go next. Ultimately, she decided to return to the U.S. to continue her studies.

“I told myself that even if you feel like there was a door that was not chosen, you can always revisit that. As educators, there is no ‘wrong’ path because everything we are doing is impacting lives — not just in the moment but also for their future and for our future as well. Even if it takes a bit of time, we will eventually find where we fit best.”

During and after her graduate studies, Ubellacker explored a variety of roles in education — from teaching graduate courses as an adjunct instructor to working as an elementary mathematics and reading interventionist to instructing college developmental mathematics to preparing high school students to take the ACT.

As she reflects on her career to this point, Ubellacker acknowledges the role the College of Education played in her growth. She says her Ph.D. studies were some of the most challenging but most rewarding times, crediting her UK professors with offering guidance while encouraging students to take risks and push themselves as they navigated their interests and goals.

“I was able to really hone my writing and research skills and understand how my interests align with the big picture of our education sphere, and in working towards how we continue to improve and pursue promising practices,” she said.

When she stepped into a classroom of her own, Ubellacker enjoyed pulling from theory and putting it into practice. Her master’s and doctoral cohorts, which were online, included students from around the globe. She continues to stay in touch with them for guidance, camaraderie and support.

“It is wonderful to know we can bring in minds from all over the world and work together on the issues we encounter in practice,” she said. “It’s very much a community that was instilled during my time at UK, and it continues on now."

Ubellacker also currently serves as a Professional Learning Specialist, supporting and coaching fellow teachers and using skills gained from her educational leadership Ph.D. program.

Looking ahead, she plans to continue her work in education, focusing on leadership and innovative practices and impacting the well-being of students in learning environments that are flexible, inclusive and impactful.

“Teaching extends beyond building knowledge; it involves leading with empathy, collaboration and equity. By fostering curiosity, encouraging risk-taking and embracing reflection and growth, educators inspire and positively impact their students and future educational leaders,” she said.