Inches away from tenth grade Advanced Placement World History teacher Ms. Caitlin Tripp, sits an energetic young man named Baley Coleman. He absorbs Ms. Tripp’s dynamic lessons on a daily basis after which he swiftly departs North Atlanta’s 11 stories for downtown Atlanta and baseball practice. Baley pitches for the Georgia State University Panthers and aids Ms. Tripp, both serving and learning as her student intern.
At an early age, Baley’s dad, Darrell Coleman, had him in the batting cages practicing his swing and creating the foundation of the player he is today. While he cherished the time spent practicing the challenging art of hitting with his dad, one regret Baley recalls vividly is not playing high school football. “Friday night lights,” he said, was something he “regrets not being a part of.”
Regrets aside, Baley produced an impressive 1.17 era (Earned Run Average) while pitching at South Paulding High School in Douglasville, Georgia. He continued his post-high school career at LaGrange College and had the unforgettable opportunity to pitch on opening night at the DIII Men’s College World Series against Texas Trinity. Pitching 7 ⅓ innings, Baley struck out nine batters and allowed just two hits while tossing a whopping 128 pitches. After this impressive showing, Baley’s team made it to the semifinals before eventually losing to Eastern Connecticut State.
Currently, Baley is majoring in “the art of teaching social studies.” His inspiration to teach comes from a class he elected to take while earning a minor in history at Lagrange College. Professor Richard Soash taught Sports in American History and Baley says he showed him it was possible to establish relationships with students and still be a dynamic teacher. “Mr. Soash and I,” he said, “got along well, and our relationship inspired me to appreciate all that is possible as a teacher.”
A part of Baley’s studies at Georgia State requires him to serve as an intern for a “veteran teacher.” Baley lucked out and landed with the energetic Ms. Tripp who has taught history for nearly 10 years, eight of those at NAHS, including seven teaching AP World History. Ms. Tripp loves Baley’s presence in the classroom, often borrowing his height to help decorate previously undecorated lofty places in her classroom. She also offers him authentic training opportunities such as teaching class lessons, and leading class activities, in an effort to develop Baley’s knowledge and teaching skills. It isn’t always a serious matter as Baley is a young college student, and in almost every class, he cracks jokes and adds a degree of light-heartedness to class. “Baley is awesome,” Ms. Tripp said, “He helps around the classroom and is always consistently in a good mood.”
Between being a student intern, playing baseball, supporting himself, and living the life of a typical busy college student, Baley has a lot to juggle. He admits that at times it can be hard to manage, but he knows it will be worth it in the end. He proudly maintains a mindset that is visible both in his personality and his actions. “If you have the consistent discipline to do the right thing you will be successful,” said Baley.
For five hours each morning, Baley Coleman pursues his dream of teaching in a dynamic way and constructing positive relationships with students. His afternoons are filled with learning the complex art of pitching. On top of all of this, he is a college senior edging toward the world of adulthood..