# Testimonials > Collection of testimonials about Sheila Byrd’s teaching, relationships with students and families, and attention to academic, social-emotional, and spiritual growth. ## Our son couldn’t wait to go to school every day to be in her class… **Shaun McCann — Parent** Mrs Byrd is a remarkable woman who serves the Lord and children. Her classroom door is always open, and she is loved by many. We felt an instant connection with her, and our son couldn’t wait to go to school every day to be in her class. I was always impressed with Sheila’s teaching style, and the way she lovingly disciplined the children. Something undeniable about her is her love for the Lord. At our parent/ teacher conference in the fall, we found out that Sheila prays for each child she gets, and records scriptures for each one. Her love for her students is indisputable. ## Mrs Byrd emits such deep personal love for each individual child, yet she makes you feel like her heart is all for your own child… **Annabelle Zastrow — Parent** Sheila Byrd is one of the most amazing women and teachers that I know, trust, and value. She is truly one of the most Godly, compassionate women I have ever known. We have had several wonderful teachers over the years, but Sheila really stands out as the most gifted. Mrs Byrd emits such deep personal love for each individual child, yet she makes you feel like her heart is all for your own child. Somehow you just feel special when you are in her presence. In her classroom she does not punish. She encourages. Her students obey her because they love her so much, not because they are afraid. We were most impressed by how incredibly attuned she was to the particular, individual needs of each student. She has taught us to be better parents without even knowing it. I saw nothing but genuine love, concern and devotion from her. I have never met a more sincere servant of Jesus. She is an exceptionally gifted teacher and a spiritual leader for children. ## Mrs Byrd is an individual with extraordinary talent and an unwavering dedication to God and her students… **Joy Webb — Parent** Mrs Byrd is an individual with extraordinary talent and an unwavering dedication to God and her students. She is blessed with the gift of making the Bible a tangible and personal experience for all of her students. She has had a profound and lifelong impact on my daughter’s walk with the Lord. Her spiritual guidance and invaluable teaching methods have given value not just to the children she teaches to, but to all the lives that intersect with hers. Mrs Byrd is an extraordinary educator, and a fine leader, a wonderful counselor, and a woman of God. In all she does, Mrs. Byrd strives to be honest, humble and full of integrity. She teaches her students with a servant’s heart, and shares the peace and passion she has for God and learning. ## Mrs Byrd impacted my life so much… **Hannah Peterson — Student** Mrs. Byrd is a true example of what it looks like when a teacher bears the fruit of the spirit. She is an example for her students in all she does. It is very evident that she spends a great deal of time with Jesus and wants His will throughout her life, and her classroom teaching. Mrs Byrd impacted my life so much. I was struggling with depression, self confidence, and anxiety, and Mrs. Byrd listened to me, prayed with me, and gave me advice that has stuck with me even now. I was cured from that depression, and I believe it was her calm and comforting personality, and her prayers that made the difference for me. I will never forget her teaching me. ## Mrs Byrd has a magnetic personality and students and parents both flock to her… **Naomi Raymond — Parent** Our family was blessed to have Mrs. Byrd for both of our children. They often referred to her as their second mom. Mrs Byrd has a magnetic personality and students and parents both flock to her. She has a way of making everyone feel special. She is still our children’s favorite teacher. ## Mrs Byrd exemplifies what true teaching should be… **Danielle Carr — Parent** Every day that my daughter was in Mrs Byrd’s class, she grew deeper in her faith. Sheila’s unique teaching allowed God to use her as a vessel to pour into these kids something much deeper, and more profound and life altering, than just reading and math. Mrs Byrd exemplifies what true teaching should be. She has extraordinary kindness, goodness, a peaceful and gentle nature, an abundance of patience, and is always full of love and joy. It is difficult to count the many ways she has impacted my daughter’s life and my own. ## I could not have asked for a better teacher for my daughter… **Jacqueline de Leon-Estes — Parent** Mrs. Byrd inspires me every single day. Her transparent, Christian character is felt by her students and her colleagues daily. She is an amazing teacher and preacher to little souls, and to us parents, who daily witness her impact. I could not have asked for a better teacher for my daughter. My daughter’s academic and spiritual growth the year she has Mrs. Byrd was phenomenal. Mrs. Byrd is a woman of exceptional Christian character. She is a teacher of truth, integrity, and honesty. Children love school because Mrs. Byrd is in it. ## Mrs Byrd has a passion and a love for teaching children… **Jamie Vanturennout — Parent** When I ask my son who his favorite teacher was in the five years that we were at his school, he always is quick to respond that it was Mrs. Byrd. He tells me that, “Mrs Byrd loves kids and she loves the Bible. It was the one subject we did no matter what else was going on at school.” When I asked my son what made Mrs. Byrd such a great teacher he said, “Mrs. Byrd LOVES God and wants people to know about Him and how He is always with us, and she showed us that through the Bible.” As a parent, I am so grateful for the impact she made on my son. Mrs Byrd has a passion and a love for teaching children. She helps families to grow. She is absolutely amazing. ## Mrs Byrd enriched the lives of everyone who knows her… **Catherine Albert — Grandparent** Mrs Byrd has always impressed me because she has the ability to find the best in every child, and to bring that best out. She has a gentle nature, a strong faith, a mature presence, and a complete dedication to the lives of the students she teaches. Mrs Byrd was so helpful to my grandchild because of her loving, consistent approach with teaching her. Mrs Byrd enriched the lives of everyone who knows her, and she filled us all with hope that everything would be well. I had firsthand knowledge of the difference she made in my granddaughter’s life. ## I am so grateful for the work she did in my son’s life and education… **Kimberly Reeves — Parent** Mrs. Byrd not only loves each child individually, and accepts them for who they are, but she also wants them to know Christ. She wants them to know the love of God, and how much they mean to Jesus Christ. My son was struggling when he came into Mrs. Byrd’s class, and she accepted him and treated him like he was one of her own children. She never allowed my son to not believe in himself. My son changed that year because of the way Mrs. Byrd treated him. She loved him like her own son. She is a teacher that will pray for you, fight for your kids and your faith, and love you more than anyone I know! I am so grateful for the work she did in my son’s life and education. God blessed my son with this amazing, strong, God-serving woman. We will never forget her. ## Mrs Byrd has made a lasting impact on our daughter’s life… **Mai Jackson — Parent** Mrs. Byrd is not only a great teacher, but her passion goes beyond teaching. She loves to teach kids about how they can have a personal relationship with God. She takes time to know her students, and makes them all feel welcome and loved. They become a part of her life, and they come back to visit her, year after year. It’s a trait that is rare to find in a teacher. We will always say that Mrs. Byrd was a rare treasure. She was full of generosity, kindness and great love. Mrs Byrd has made a lasting impact on our daughter’s life. ## Mrs Byrd takes every situation and turns it into a teachable moment… **Hayley Agers — Parent** Mrs Byrd’s approach to loving her students and others has helped me become a better parent. She greets life with a smile and a very positive attitude. She shows others how important they are, and how worthy they are to be cared for and loved. She speaks to parents and to children in such a way that they never feel guilty, judged, or defeated. Mrs Byrd takes every situation and turns it into a teachable moment. She wraps her arms around her families, giving her all to her students. Her desire is to deeply know people so she can serve them. I have personally seen how she uses her love to tenderly teach her students. There is no doubt in my mind that she brings the perfect balance of grace and guidance together to teach each of her students. ## I personally cannot put into words the direct impact Mrs Byrd has had on my life and my daughter’s life… **Keesha Laws — Parent** Everyone who knows Mrs Byrd would say that she knows God’s love, and she walks where God leads her. Mrs Byrd is an amazing teacher and friend, her character is pure love, and she wants that love for every single person. I personally cannot put into words the direct impact Mrs Byrd has had on my life and my daughter’s life. I cannot imagine the pain and the emotional mess I would be in if Sheila didn’t guide me through a turbulent time in my life. I get teary eyed just thinking about it. I am blessed and thankful for the impact she has had on me, and the difference she has made in my daughter’s life. ## Mrs Byrd conveys deep enthusiasm for learning and creates a culture that is very much like a family in her classroom… **Jeff Culp — Superintendent** I am pleased to say that Mrs Byrd’s teaching approaches consistently reflect a powerful understanding of research on best practices for the preadolescent stages. Mrs Byrd is very skillful at what she does, and communicates her goals to students and parents. She takes into account student learning styles, social emotional well being, and spiritual and academic growth when leading young academic minds. She creates an excellent learning environment for her students and demonstrates genuine care and respect for all. Mrs Byrd conveys deep enthusiasm for learning and creates a culture that is very much like a family in her classroom. She brings grace and trust into her room, and students and parents alike consistently look to her as a source of inspiration. Her greatest strength is her intentionality in discipling others. Mrs. Byrd naturally connects with parents and children. She is loved by all. She is a gifted speaker and a facilitator of student transformation. She is very committed to excellence in everything that she does, and is dependable under great pressure, always putting her children and her families first. Source: [Testimonials](https://homesteadelementary.org/testimonials/) Site manifest: [Homestead Elementary](https://homesteadelementary.org/llms.txt)