Mill Creek Elementary School in Madison, Alabama, has a reason to celebrate as one of its new teachers is a former student – a first since the school’s establishment in 2009.
Kate Byrne, a first-year teacher, expressed her excitement upon receiving the job offer after the interview. She recalls being thrilled and overjoyed about the opportunity.
Byrne, a recent graduate from Auburn University, is thrilled to embark on her teaching journey in the very school where her passion for education first sparked.
Byrne shared that he relocated to Madison during his fourth-grade years, and it was during that time that he began attending Mill Creek.
Byrne is thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with some of her previous teachers as she attended the school for her fourth, fifth, and sixth-grade studies.
Byrne chuckled as she reminisced, “There are still around five teachers who were here when I was a student. It’s amusing to walk around and make the transition from them being my teachers to now being my colleagues.”
Upon discovering that Byrne had made the list of new teachers, Wade Thaxton, one of his former teachers, was filled with excitement.
Thaxton expressed her sentiments, saying, “As a teacher, you always want the best for your students and hope to make a positive impact on their lives. When you teach them, you never know how they will grow up. It’s heartwarming to see Kate return and make an impact on others, just like we did for her. It truly shows how Madison City Schools have positively impacted her life.”
As he heads into his 18th year with the school district, Thaxton imparts a valuable piece of advice for new teachers: focus on building strong foundations in your students’ math skills. Thaxton himself teaches fifth-grade math at Mill Creek Elementary School, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his classroom.
Thaxton advised to relish both good and difficult days and to remember that the children are unaware of the challenges. The tough days may be hard for the caregiver, but the children still adore them, and in turn, they should love the children back.
News 19 was informed by Byrne that she is eagerly looking forward to the arrival of her 21 third-grade students on Thursday.
Byrne expressed her enthusiasm for working with children in the third grade, which she considers a fun and thrilling age. She acknowledged that at this stage, kids are starting to grow up and understand that school is a more serious matter. As a result, she is eager to provide them with the support they need to navigate this important period in their education.
Classes at Madison City School will commence on Thursday, August 1st.
