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by Lesley Misko
For Tim Bauman, teaching isn’t just a profession. It is a lifelong commitment to his community. This year, that commitment has been recognized in a big way: Bauman has been named the 2025 Mentor of the Year, an honor that reflects more than three decades of dedicated service to the Boyertown Area School District.
A 1985 graduate of Boyertown Area Senior High (BASH), Bauman has spent his 34-year teaching career at Boyertown’s Junior High West/ Middle School West, where he currently teaches 7th-grade social studies. Over the years, he has guided students through geography and western civilization.
“Having lived here and grown up here, I love being able to teach the kids of the people I’ve known,” Bauman says. “There’s something really special about seeing former students grow up and then trust you to teach their own children.”
Bauman and his wife, Leslie, are both products of the Boyertown school system. Leslie, also a 1985 BASH alum, has taught 6th grade at Boyertown Middle School West for 35 years. Their children, Tyler (BASH 2014) and Allison (2016), are also proud Boyertown graduates, continuing the family’s strong connection to the district.
Throughout his career, Bauman has taken on numerous leadership roles beyond the classroom. He currently serves as the Respect Team Leader and has previously worked as an advisor for both Student Council and Builders Club, as well as a member of the Student Assistance Program team. These roles, he says, allow him to support students not just academically, but emotionally and socially.
“I love working with kids and helping them find their own success,” Bauman says. “That’s what it’s all about.”
Bauman’s influence extends far beyond the school day. For over 25 years, he has been a fixture in Boyertown athletics. Currently, he serves as the assistant coach for the BASH girls’ basketball team, and he has previously coached boys’ and girls’ basketball at both the middle and high school levels— including a two-year stint as the head coach of the high school girls’ team.
His coaching resume also includes 11 years of middle school track, seven years of football, and years of volunteering with Optimist Basketball and Boyertown Midget League Baseball.
“To me, athletics is another form of teaching,” Bauman says. “It’s where kids learn discipline, teamwork, and resilience— skills that help them far beyond the court or field.”
Bauman was informed of his Mentor of the Year award by Lindsay Mason, and admits he was taken by surprise. “I was shocked, honestly,” he says. “It’s nice to be recognized, but I work with so many incredible teachers who could receive this award just as easily. I’m fortunate to be part of such a great team.”
Though humbled, Bauman’s recognition is well-earned. Former students frequently reach out to thank him. Many still remember how he made history come alive in class—or how he encouraged them during tough basketball practices. It’s this long-lasting impact that defines his career.
During his career, Bauman has witnessed changes— especially in recent years. “COVID changed kids,” he says. “It was like nothing we had ever been through, and we’re just now starting to get back to normal.” He also notes how technology has reshaped education. “Easy access to information is a powerful tool, but it’s also a big distraction. Finding ways to keep students engaged is more important than ever.”
Despite these challenges, Bauman remains energized by his students and colleagues. “Teaching middle school kids is never dull,” he says with a smile. “Their energy keeps you on your toes. When they come into the classroom, they’re ‘on’—and as a teacher, you must be too.”
When he’s not teaching or coaching, Bauman enjoys working out, camping, and racing. A lifelong racing fan, he has been attending events at Grandview Speedway since he was eight years old and he now helps his nephew, who races there.
These personal interests give him balance, but his heart remains in the classroom—and in the hallways and gyms of Boyertown schools.
“I feel really fortunate to teach where I went to school,” Bauman says. “It gives me a connection to the kids, the parents, and the community that’s hard to describe. We have a great team here. We put kids first, and I’m proud to be a part of that.”
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