Her Story
About Baleigh
Baleigh Stephens serves as the lead second grade teacher at Houston Classical Charter School in Houston, Texas. After graduating from Texas State University in 2024 with a degree in psychology and communication, she began her career with internships at Charles Schwab and a sales role at Insight Global before pivoting to education to make a greater impact on youth. In her first year teaching third grade, Stephens achieved a 69 percent pass rate on the STAR test for her grade level through dedicated gap-filling and high expectations. She now focuses on second grade, bringing her corporate experience in training and development to support student growth. Stephens also coaches volleyball and volunteers with the Houston Food Bank to provide Thanksgiving dinners to the homeless in Houston. She credits her father as a key role model for his grit and success, and she draws on her faith in both her professional and personal life. Her career goals include remaining in the classroom for four to six years before advancing to assistant principal and eventually principal.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Baleigh
01What do you attribute your success to?
My dad has been one of the biggest role models in my life, especially in my career. He has done very well for himself and our family, reached levels I hope to accomplish. He is very gritty and someone I look up to and want to model my career after.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't be afraid to get uncomfortable. Always continue to be curious about anything you're doing. There's always more to be learned. Always be seeking knowledge in every role. Do not walk in like you know everything. Embrace the failure and turn it into a learning opportunity and stepping stone.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Only you know what is right for you and what you want to become, so don't let anyone stand in your way. Be a self-advocate.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges: Education ebbs and flows, always being on top of the gaps in kids or students. Opportunities: Growth, seeing kids go from not being able to read to reading chapter books. The effort you put in determines the outcome.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My faith. I'm very faith-based, so anything that goes wrong, I'm definitely in prayer and asking people to pray for me and my situation. It's what I've grown up with.
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