Heidi Byczko

Grade 1 Teacher

Helping students understand and celebrate their individuality through academic adventures is Mrs. Byczko’s favorite part of teaching. She says, “Nothing is more powerful than a curious mind!” Ask her about the time she spent three months in West Africa!

Grade 1 Teacher

Helping students understand and celebrate their individuality through academic adventures is Mrs. Byczko’s favorite part of teaching. She says, “Nothing is more powerful than a curious mind!” Ask her about the time she spent three months in West Africa!

Impacting Students
Each year around winter break, I teach a lesson on compliments. In first grade, students are just beginning to understand the impact words can have on others. In the spirit of "giving" we discuss how kind words are something we can give one another at any time. Students then draw cards with names of their peers in our class and brainstorm a specific comment for that person. Students practice their writing skills and idea formation, while also building character development. The compliments are posted on our lockers and we end by reflecting as a group about how it feels to receive compliments.

Lifelong Learner
Orton Gillingham training geared toward teaching students with literacy difficulties provided me with so many new tools to reach students at all levels. Its multi-sensory approach and systematic design have given me some very insightful ways to reinforce reading skills, while helping students develop their own reading strategies moving forward.

Favorite Teaching Moment
Watching students perform publicly at the Talent Show. Displaying the bravery to be in front of a crowd, while showcasing something that makes them unique is so inspirational!

Feels Rewarded When ...
I watch students accomplish things they previously thought they couldn't do.

Life Goal
Speak Polish fluently

Joined Graland in...
2015

Hometown
Greenville, IL

Education
BA in intercultural studies from Lincoln Christian University
MA in educational psychology from University of Colorado
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Graland Country Day School

Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.