Hailey Couch is a district Elementary Instructional Coach for Norman Public Schools in Norman, Oklahoma. She previously taught Kindergarten and 2nd Grade, and was an Instructional Coach for the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Hailey received the National Milken Educator Award in 2018 as a kindergarten teacher, as well as was named Teacher of The Year the same school year. She co-authored the Oklahoma Play to Learn Act bill, which was passed in 2021. This piece of legislation permits educators to create play-based learning opportunities in the realm of movement, creative expression, exploration, socialization, reading for pleasure, and dramatic play. Hailey models continuous improvement and lifelong learning through coaching conversations which focus on instructional and classroom management strategies, resulting in student achievement across the school district. She offers and facilitates countless support and professional development opportunities to novice and veteran teachers in her school district to ensure growth and improvement for instruction and learning. Hailey earned a bachelor’s in Early Childhood education from Oklahoma City University, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, Curriculum, and Supervision from The University of Oklahoma. She is absolutely thrilled to be on the Board for Norman NEXT as the Membership Chair. Hailey also received the Norman NEXT Under 40 Award last year. She loves connecting with people and getting to know their stories and what makes them who they are. Hailey is a lifelong learner who is continually striving to grow personally and professionally.