Laura Kyes
Position: First Grade Teacher
School: William K. Moore Elementary School
School District: Clark County School District
City, State: Las Vegas, NV
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Laura Kyes was nominated anonymously.
Ms. Kyes believes that creating a positive classroom environment in first grade is essential because it's often a child's first full academic year of structured schooling. At this age, students are developing not only academically, but also socially and emotionally. Building a strong relationship with her students is a priority from the very beginning. She takes time to learn about their families, interests, and cultures and incorporates this into classroom activities when possible.
Establishing clear and consistent routines is also key for first grade because they thrive on routine. Ms. Kyes models, practices, and repeats classroom expectations and procedures often. She also works to create a calm, safe, and welcoming space for her students. They celebrate kindness, cooperation, perseverance, and emotional growth just like academic success.
Ms. Kyes just wrapped up her first year as a first-grade teacher. She has worked in the field of education for her entire adult life, but upon the death of her husband in August of 2023, she felt called to do more. She decided to pursue her ARL teaching certification at the age of 53.
During her first year of teaching, some of her accomplishments included:
- Showing continuous growth, with improved formal evaluations resulting from reflective practice and instructional adjustments.
- Communicating regularly through newsletters, apps like Remind or ClassDojo, and positive phone calls or notes home.
- Collaborating with grade-level team to create a differentiated math center rotation system that supported all learners, including ELLs.
- Completing over 30 hours of professional development.
- Leading grade-level collaboration to create engaging reading lessons, contributing to improved student reading scores.
- Volunteering to assist with many after-school and evening events for students and their families, planning activities, and coordinating with staff.
I have known Laura for 20 years and am not surprised that she has been nominated for this award. She is a very passionate person and loves her kids, which is the best combination to be a successful teacher. I’m so proud of you! Congratulations!
I’ve had the privilege of seeing her dedication first hand. She has always put the best interests of her students before herself. She is very deserving to be recognized as Life Changer of the year. Congratulations for being nominated.
Laura is a teacher every parent wants for their child. She creates an environment in her classroom that is warm, engaging, and the perfect place for learning. She has made sure the kids all have access to wonderful books in her classroom. Beyond that, Laura really cares. She cares about and for each child and works super hard to be the very best teacher, advocate, and guide for them. She is truly the best of the best.
Laura is an amazing person and teacher.
She has worked very hard to be an exceptional first grade teacher.
She has worked in the educational field for many years. However she decided she wanted to be a classroom teacher.
As her accomplishments indicated she is very dedicated and truly loves her students.
Her outgoing personality and her consistent philosophy of group work and collaborative methods with the school staff have made her a valuable asset.
Laura has always been outgoing and her constantly connecting with parents would come naturally.
She talks about her students often and said at the end of the school year she was going to miss them.
Her nomination is well deserved. Her family is very proud of her.
She will always pour her self into her career. That’s who she is.
I am proud to be her Uncle John
I have observed Laura work to become an incredible teacher. She has been determined to follow best practices and to continue learning. When the enormity of the job inevitably hit after the first two months of school, she became even more determined to be the best she could be for her students. As a retired principal, I know an excellent teacher when I see one. Laura is totally deserving of this award.
Laura is an amazing, selfless person. She goes above and beyond for her students to make sure they reach their highest potential.
Wow! 1st year teaching and Laura has accomplished so much! She spent all last summer planning and preparing the classroom so her kids would have a fun learning environment. Laura is very passionate and dedicated to the kids. Congratulations and well deserved!
Laura is an amazing and kind person. Any student would be lucky to have her as a teacher.
Laura is an amazing person and a great teacher. She never gives up on her students. She has high expectations, is highly motivating, and she believes in all of her students. No doubt her strong work ethic lead to a successful first year under her belt.
Laura is a very kind and compassionate person. While still grieving her own husband’s passing, she supported me when I was at my lowest from losing my husband. Laura’s students and parents are blessed to have her as their teacher.
Laura,
Just wonderful. Your kids are thriving and you must be so proud and grateful.
Congratulations, Stefan
Laura is a very caring, moral and intelligent lady, who is certainly deserving of this nomination. She puts her heart and soul into everything she does, in and out of the classroom. I am blessed to know her, and her students are so fortunate to have her as their teacher.
In her first year of teaching, Laura made a strong impression through her dedication, adaptability, and student-centered approach. She created an inclusive and engaging learning environment. Her commitment to students extended beyond the school day. Laura has a deep care for student growth and well-being, always putting learners first in their planning and interactions.
Laura is amazing! She is someone I’ll never forget. I knew her a few short years in a gym setting and I like to think we grew a little bond, and she is just lit up the room. I wholeheartedly understand why she was nominated for something like this. Well deserved.
Laura sounds like a real asset to her school and the lucky students in her class.
Laura Kyes would be a wonderful choice as Life Changer of the Year! She has demonstrated that she can initiate changes, turn herself around, and bring motivational encouragement to any and the most devastating circumstances. She will bring action to the concept of “let’s make some lemonade” to her students and fellow staff members and does it with an open, kind and loving heart. It is a joy to know Laura and she is certainly deserving of this honor.
Laura has a heart of gold that works to help each of her students grow and develop into their best selves. She carefully creates an atmosphere that allows each child to be themselves and succeed. The first grade in lucky to have her!
