When you step into Kayla Harris’s kindergarten classroom, you can feel the joy and purpose that fill the room. From the walls lined with colorful artwork to the laughter of little voices learning something new, it’s easy to see why Kayla has been named Meadow View Elementary’s Teacher of the Year.
Kayla has always known she was meant to teach.
“I have always loved being around kids,” she said. “When I was little, I used to set up a pretend classroom in my basement and make all the neighborhood kids be my students.” Her passion only grew stronger through high school and college, when she babysat and worked in Meadow View’s After School Care Program. “It was then that I really knew this was the role that was made for me.”
For Kayla, kindergarten is where the magic happens.
“It’s such a special age, and there’s nothing that beats being there as they experience so many ‘firsts,’” she shared. “Kindergarten is where foundations are built—academically, socially, and in their love of learning that lasts a lifetime.”
Her classroom is more than just a place to learn; it’s a place to belong. Kayla focuses on creating a welcoming environment where every child feels valued and respected. “We start the year by building our classroom community before we even think about academics,” she said. “We take time to focus on what makes us different and what makes us special.”
One of her favorite moments this year came during a simple math activity. “I heard a student say to another, ‘Don’t give up—remember what Mrs. Harris tells us, I can do hard things!’” she recalled. “That reminded me exactly why I teach.”
Relationships are at the heart of Kayla’s teaching philosophy—both with her students and their families. As a mom herself, she understands the importance of teamwork. “It takes a team effort, and I always let them know how much I need them,” she said.
Throughout her 13 years at Meadow View, Kayla has been shaped by the guidance of others, especially her mentor, Michelle Colburn. “She took me under her wing when I was a first-year teacher and continues to be a mentor, role model, and friend today,” Kayla said. “In this profession, you need people who challenge you and make you believe in yourself, and she’s always been that person for me.”
Being named Teacher of the Year is deeply meaningful for Kayla.
“It represents my colleagues and administration trusting me and believing in me,” she said. “Even on the hard days, it reminds me that I am still seen.” This year feels extra special to her, as her very first kindergarten class is now graduating high school. “To know I was the first stepping stone in their education is so meaningful,” she said. “This recognition makes all the moments, big and small, worth it.”
When asked what she hopes her students remember most, Kayla doesn’t hesitate.
“I hope they remember that I will always ask about them, care about them, and root for them,” she said. “I hope they remember how I made them feel.”
Outside the classroom, one fun fact about Kayla might surprise her students—she’s never been on a plane! “I’m a homebody,” she laughed. “The thought of being stuck in the air with strangers—no thank you!”
For Kayla, teaching isn’t just a job. It’s a calling that continues to inspire her every day.
“The kids are always worth it, and what I do every day matters,” she said. “Just knowing that I get to plant seeds of confidence, kindness, and curiosity—what’s better than that?”