Harrison Central High Educator Named 2024-25 HCSD Teacher of the Year

(December 16, 2024) – An incredibly talented art teacher from Harrison Central High has been named the Harrison County School District’s 2024-25 Teacher of the Year!
 
Tonight, the Harrison County School Board recognized Mr. Christian Bailey for his dedication to inspiring his students to excel. On December 13, HCSD Superintendent William Bentz and the three assistant superintendents dropped by HCHS to surprise Mr. Bailey with the exciting news! Mr. Bailey said he was shocked that he had been selected as the top teacher in the district!
 
Mr. Bailey started his teaching career in 2006 and has taught Visual Arts at HCHS for the last ten years. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture in 2004 and a Master of Education in 2005 from the University of Southern Mississippi. Mr. Bailey is a staunch advocate for the arts, believing they play a critical role in fostering well-rounded student development.
 
Mr. Bailey founded the National Art Honor Society at HCHS and has overseen a dramatic expansion of the school’s arts program. Under his leadership, the offerings of art classes have grown from two to eight, encompassing a wide range of visual art disciplines. He has also been instrumental in expanding the theatre department from one annual class to three classes per semester.
 
Mr. Bailey’s dedication to both education and the arts exemplifies his commitment to inspiring students and enriching the cultural landscape of his community. He currently serves as the Chair of Fine Arts at HCHS. He teaches Visual Arts 1, 2, and 3, Ceramics 1 and 2, and Advanced Placement Studio Art (2D and 3D Design). Mr. Bailey has worked tirelessly to create engaging lessons that demonstrate the relevance of art to student’s lives and its potential in future careers. The school’s AP Studio Art courses have maintained an impressive 80-percent pass rate over the past six years, and the National Art Honor Society boasts 30 active members.
 
Beyond the classroom, Mr. Bailey has conducted workshops and promoted the arts in the community. His artwork has been featured in solo and group exhibitions across the southeastern United States. His contributions to the field of sculpture have also earned him a fellowship from the Mississippi Arts Commission.
 
Bailey inspires his students to showcase their talents in various community art competitions. He is passionate about integrating art into all areas of education by fostering critical thinking and helping students form connections between abstract concepts and other subjects. Bailey believes all students deserve the opportunity to discover who they are through a well-rounded education, and the arts provide a powerful avenue for this self-discovery.
 
Congratulations, Mr. Bailey, on this well-deserved honor! We are so proud to have you on our team and look forward to all the wonderful things you will continue to accomplish!