As a child, Kevin Dailey had hopes of being an architect, someone who would take an idea and forge it into something that would last forever. He wanted to use his natural creativity and imagination to bring the abstract into reality and make the world a more beautiful place for everyone to experience.

The desire to shape the world around him led to a career in architectural design, but despite fulfilling his childhood dream, something was missing. He realized his dreams to make a positive impact on his community would not come from his efforts alone, but through his ability to help others discover their passion to be a part of their community. As it turns out, Dailey was born to be a teacher.

Dailey earned his Bachelor of Arts in education and Master of Arts in secondary education from the University of Kentucky. As an educator, he has served in both high school and middle school social studies roles from grades eight through 12. Currently, he serves as an eighth grade U.S. history teacher at Ballyshannon Middle School in Union, Kentucky, where he helps his students examine the complex history of our nation. Combining inquiry-based instruction and authentic academic opportunities, Dailey ignites in his students a passion for learning that goes beyond the classroom.

The 2021 Milken Educator and 2024 Middle School Teacher of the Year, Dailey is a husband, a son, an uncle, and above all else, a teacher.