Kayomi Williams poses with her award and her students.
Each month, the community nominates their favorite teachers and educators from the 最新杏吧原创 region to be the 最新杏吧原创 Post-Dispatch Teacher of the Month. November鈥檚 winner is Kayomi Williams, a first-grade teacher at the Lafayette Preparatory Academy. Ms. Williams received a $250 gift card courtesy of聽.
How long have you been teaching and where did you start?
I have been teaching for 12 years. I started my career as a substitute teacher, often stepping in for just a day and sometimes for an entire school year. The year after I graduated, a friend reached out to tell me a school was hiring for the upcoming year. Ironically, it was the same school someone else had told me about just a few days before graduation. That school was Lafayette Preparatory Academy. From the moment I walked in for my interview, I knew it was exactly where I was meant to be.
What has your teaching experience been like?
Over the years, I鈥檝e had the privilege of working with students in a variety of settings. My early experiences as a substitute teacher where I would go to different classrooms and have to build relationships quickly and adapt, taught me flexibility, empathy and the importance of connection. Since then, each year has deepened my love for teaching and strengthened my commitment to creating a joyful and structured learning environment for all students.
Describe your favorite part of being in the classroom.
My favorite part is creating a little family every year. I love building a classroom community where students feel connected, supported and excited to learn. Watching them grow academically and as people is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. My goal for my students is for them to feel excited about learning and confident in who they are. I hope they leave my classroom knowing that they are valued, capable and loved even during the hard moments. More than anything, I hope they carry with them the belief that they matter.
Tell us how your classroom is a place of structure, focus and care.
For me, consistency is key. I work hard to create routines and expectations that students can depend on every single day. I also have real, age-appropriate conversations with my first graders about how we treat people, not just in our classroom, but out in the world. When students know they are safe, respected and cared for, they are more willing to take risks, try new things and show up as their full selves. I believe that feeling safe and valued is a human right, and I do everything I can to make sure every child in my room feels that.
What are your future plans?
I am currently working on being accepted into a master鈥檚 program at Washington University. Continuing my education is important to me, and I鈥檓 excited about the opportunity to keep growing in my practice. I feel incredibly humbled and grateful to receive this honor as Teacher of the Month. Teaching is truly a team effort, and I鈥檓 thankful to be recognized for doing work that I genuinely love.
To nominate a teacher of the month, visit聽STLtoday.com/contests.
