Watching her fifth-grade students grow throughout the year and develop confidence in math, science, and their own leadership abilities is the most rewarding part of teaching for Ms. Zikeya Byrd.
Ms. Byrd earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Jones College and has been teaching for nearly three years. She began her career in Mississippi, and after a year and a half, she returned to her hometown of Mobile, where she joined the faculty at Morningside Elementary.
*“New schools can bring a plethora of differences. Different administrators, different cultures, different staff, different ways of transportation and so much more,” she shared regarding her first year in Mobile County. “However, I came in with a bit more knowledge than what I started and overall when it’s your calling, God will allow you to grow in whatever environment. I will say that I am blessed in this new season of my life and career!”
For first-time teachers or those transitioning to a new school, Ms. Byrd’s best advice is to believe in yourself and the calling God has placed on your life. She acknowledges that teaching comes with many unknowns and challenges that no one can fully prepare you for. However, she believes it is essential to be confident in your abilities as an educator while remaining humble enough to continue learning and growing throughout your career.
Creating a family-like atmosphere is something Ms. Byrd strives to establish from the very first day of school. She makes it a priority to recognize and celebrate each student’s uniqueness as a strength rather than a disadvantage. Above all, her goal is to believe in her students before they ever believe in themselves.
“I would say my teaching style is pretty interesting. I love for there to be laughter, discussion, praise, support, debate, singing, a hint of dancing, and overall an ‘I can’ mindset,” she shared. “I love it when students understand something that they did not know before or become comfortable with a subject that they would stray away from if they had the chance. Don’t get me wrong, we have our serious moments where we focus, we write, and we are quiet, but there is a reason my students are surprised when it’s time to leave, and that is because time flies when you’re having fun!”
When she isn’t teaching and has the opportunity, Ms. Byrd enjoys fellowship with others, leading worship, and helping others. She also says that you can often find her relaxing with a good movie or book, shopping, or sight seeing.
