At Westwood High School, Ms Byrd is changing lives in the special education classroom. Her commitment to helping students thrive, no matter their challenges, has made her a beloved figure to her students.

With compassion and love for her students, she empowers them to do their best. Ms Byrd states that growing up in the world of special education, She felt an early connection to the field.

“I was surrounded by special education growing up,” she recalls.

Although she explored other career paths her heart kept returning to wanting to teach.

“Teaching made me the happiest. It was my passion,” she says.

Ms Byrd implements a unique strategy known as the “zones” to support students who experience emotional outbursts or struggles.

As she explains, “We do a thing called zones at Westwood. Different colors say and express an emotion. They will point at a zone or tell me what they are feeling from the zone paper.”

This method involves a color-coded system where each hue represents a different emotional state.

Ms. Byrd uses this method to better understand what her students are feeling and what actions to take to help them.

Although Ms. Byrd has conflicts in the classroom, she finds the most rewarding aspect of teaching special education is the deep connections she builds with her students and their families.

She reflects that, “building the connections with the students and their parents along with people who love the students as much as I do,” is what she cherishes the most about her work.

The deep-felt connections she has with her students and their families provide an insight into how she is as a teacher at Westwood High School.

The impact Ms. Byrd has on her students is undeniable. Chauncey Debouse, an 11th grader who attends Westwood High School shared,

“Ms. Byrd is amazing and she helps me a lot. She has an amazing personality and has been there for me.”

Sharing similar sentiments as Chauncey, 12th-grader, Cedric Daceus said, “She helps me when I need it, and got me a job by pushing me to reach my goals.’’

Ms. Byrd is more than a teacher, she is a cherished educator, mentor, and most importantly a friend to her students. Her unwavering dedication and genuine compassion create a safe and supportive environment where students feel valued and understood.

Whether guiding them through emotional challenges or celebrating their successes, Ms. Byrd’s impact is profound and far-reaching.

She has a remarkable ability to connect with her students on a personal level, fostering growth and confidence. Her influence extends beyond the classroom, touching the lives of families and leaving a lasting impact on Westwood and the students.