By LEIGH FLYNN DOTY
William “Bill” Foley may be new to the middle school classroom, but it is a role he has prepared for his entire life.
His multifaceted background, commitment to well-being, and active involvement in the school and community make Foley an exceptional educator and finalist for the Louisiana New Middle School Teacher of the Year.
Foley, who teaches 7th grade math at Scott M. Brame Middle School in Alexandria, retired from the U.S. Navy in 2021, following a successful 37-year career. He is now pursuing his original passion in which he is able to create a safe and caring classroom environment.
His primary goal in the classroom is to “cultivate a secure atmosphere where students feel comfortable embracing the learning process without fear of mistakes.”
The joy he finds in helping others learn and work through problems was ignited by his fourth-grade teacher, who encouraged him to assist his classmates with their math assignments. He aspired to pursue a teaching career immediately after high school, but the low pay deterred him. As his retirement from the Navy approached, the prospect of becoming a teacher resurfaced. Completing the certification process while maintaining his Navy commitments led him to further delay the decision.
Instead, Foley opted for nursing school, becoming a registered nurse while still serving in the Navy. After retiring from the Navy, the persistent desire to teach and contribute to the community finally led him to a local program for an alternate certification.
Foley holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and Public Administration from Louisiana State University, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma, as well as associate degrees in nursing and general studies from Northern Virginia Community College. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Teaching degree from Northwestern State University.
“Looking ahead to the next five years, my goal is to evolve into a highly effective educator while embarking on the journey toward a doctoral degree in education,” Foley said. He is certified in middle school math and science, and he is pursuing other certifications.
When considering his long-term goals, Foley says his commitment to “making a meaningful difference in students’ lives remains unwavering. While the specific role I’ll undertake is uncertain, I foresee myself still immersed in the lifelong pursuit of learning.”
“When people ask me how many more degrees or what’s the next profession, my answer is simple. I don’t know because I always want to do more and learn more.”
Foley was awarded the 2019 Geiger Award for Logistics from the American Society of Naval Engineers which recognized his exceptional leadership and mentorship across naval headquarters, program field offices, and shipyards. He also received the Silver Service Medal for Distinguished Service from the Department of Energy and the Superior Service Medal Award from the Department of the Navy.
In the classroom, Foley says his classroom management techniques are paramount. “I implemented a concise set of rules and procedures centered on self-respect and consideration for others. These guidelines create stability, helping students know what to expect daily. This nurturing setting allows my students to thrive and facilitates meaningful connections not only with me but also with fellow students throughout the school.”
“In creating an equitable and inclusive learning experience, I actively remove barriers that might hinder academic success. My teaching approach and materials are deliberately developed to be culturally relevant and inclusive, accommodating diverse learning styles and abilities.”
For anyone who may be interested in pursuing a teaching career, Foley offers the following advice:
“Be prepared to smile, laugh, and cry. Be prepared to be proud of your students and be prepared to doubt yourself when your students don’t do as well as expected. Be prepared to feel heartache when you say so long to the students who have been a big part of your life for the last nine months. Be prepared to be so proud of your students later in life when they succeed because you are part of what made them successful. Dream the impossible for yourself and your students. Realize that you won’t always know the impact that you made on your students, but you did make an impact.”