Panthers of ISKL #278: Jeff Bailey - The Proactive Panther
“The most enjoyable part of my job is seeing my students grow in confidence and develop a genuine love for learning. Watching students have that “aha” moment when they grasp a new concept or take a leadership role is incredibly rewarding.”
Meet Jeff Bailey, a passionate and inquiry-driven Grade 5 educator, who began his teaching journey in England and has since worked in Germany, China, Qatar, and Switzerland.
With a background that spans leadership in Elementary and Middle School settings, he brings a hands-on, student-centered approach to learning that inspires curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration in every lesson.
Here is Jeff’s story:
Please tell us more about yourself.
I was born in England, and my journey in education has taken me across the world.
Before arriving at ISKL, I worked in Germany, China, Qatar, and Switzerland, gaining experience in both upper Elementary and Middle School settings. My background spans a variety of roles, including Grade 5 Level Leader, EdTech Coordinator, and Middle School Innovation and Design Teacher. This diverse experience has helped shape my inquiry-driven, hands-on approach to teaching, where students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning and develop essential critical thinking skills.
Can you tell us more about your ES Grade 5 teacher position? What are your daily activities?
As a Grade 5 teacher, my role extends far beyond academics. Each day, I have opportunities to guide my students through engaging learning experiences in literacy, math, science, and inquiry-based projects. I also focus on fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and leadership skills in my students. A typical day includes morning meetings to set a positive tone, small group instruction, student-led discussions, and reflection activities to ensure we are always learning and growing.
Can you tell us something you are working on now that you are excited about?
Right now, I’m focused on working with my awesome team to give our science and math lessons a facelift and increase student curiosity and engagement. I want to ensure that these subjects go beyond formulas and facts—bringing in more hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences that encourage students to explore, question, and think critically. By integrating real-world applications and problem-solving challenges, my goal is to make learning more dynamic, meaningful, and fun for every student. Seeing them get excited about discovering patterns in math or investigating scientific phenomena is what makes teaching so rewarding!
What is the most enjoyable and most challenging part of your job?
The most enjoyable part of my job is seeing my students grow in confidence and develop a genuine love for learning. Watching students have that “aha” moment when they grasp a new concept or take a leadership role is incredibly rewarding.
The most challenging part is ensuring that each student gets personalized support. Every learner is unique, and balancing the different needs, strengths, and areas of growth within a single classroom requires creativity, patience, and a strong sense of community.
What is your best memory (or most memorable moment) so far working at ISKL?
One of my best memories at ISKL has been our Grade 5 Innovation and Design Thinking Challenge. Seeing my students collaborate, problem-solve, and build bridges using the design cycle was inspiring. Their energy, enthusiasm, and teamwork truly captured the spirit of ISKL’s learning philosophy.
Can you tell us more about your hobbies and interests? What do you do after work?
Outside the classroom, I’m passionate about football, road cycling, tennis, travel, and spending quality time with my family. I coach the High School Varsity Tennis team, which keeps me active and connected to the sport. I also love heading out on cycling routes and exploring new areas while pushing myself physically.
When I’m not on the field or the bike, I enjoy discovering hidden gems around Kuala Lumpur, from food spots to hiking trails. Most importantly, I cherish the time I spend with my son and daughter, whether it’s playing games, going on little adventures, or just unwinding together.
Who or what inspires you
My students inspire me—their curiosity, resilience, and ability to see the world in unique ways constantly push me to be a better educator. I’m also inspired by my Grade 5 team, whose dedication, creativity, and collaborative spirit make every day both rewarding and exciting.
Lastly, my wife, a High School Counselor, inspires me with her commitment to supporting students, guiding them through challenges, and helping them reach their full potential. Her empathy and dedication remind me of the profound impact educators can have on young lives.
What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” mean to you?
This statement embodies what we strive to instill in our students every day. “Know yourself” is about self-awareness—understanding strengths, weaknesses, and personal values. “Care for all” speaks to empathy, inclusivity, and a sense of community, ensuring we support and uplift those around us. “Create a better world” is a call to action, encouraging us to use our knowledge, skills, and compassion to make meaningful contributions to the world - or our corner of it, at least.
ISKL truly fosters this philosophy, and I’m grateful to be part of a school that nurtures both academic excellence and character development.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff who always have an anecdote to tell, love to share some insights into their passions and interest, or simply is a Panther through and through? Nominate them to be featured in our Panthers of ISKL stories by sending in your submissions here.