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Leadership
Teaching Today Minnesota | Summer/Back to School 2024 Page 23

Congratulations!

Minneapolis Educator Tracy Byrd is 2024 Minnesota Teacher of the Year

be the spark that ignites the flame for a
young student into a field they didn’t know
existed. To me, that is the purpose of edu-
cation: Not to give them something they
already know, but to show them something
new and authentic so they can learn and
grow.”
“Tracy Byrd is the epitome of excel-
lence and integrity in public education,”
said Katie Murphy-Olsen, an English as an
additional language teacher at Minneapo-
lis Edison High School, in her nomination
letter for Byrd. “His dedication to the
students at Washburn through educating,
coaching, advocating and leading is pal-
pable in his work. He exudes a dynamic
energy, a kindness to all, and he is incred-
nesota leaders in education, business and teacher licensure program and took a posi-
government chooses the Teacher of the tion as an achievement specialist to prepare ibly supportive to fellow educators and the
Year from individuals who are nominated him for full-time teaching. Minneapolis community.”
Tracy Byrd, a ninth-grade English and who then choose to become a candi- Upon receiving his teaching creden-
language arts teacher at Washburn High date. tials from Metropolitan State University
School in the Minneapolis school district, Byrd, a graduate of Washburn, came to in 2017, Byrd chose to return to his alma washburn.mpschools.org
is the 2024 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. a career in education later in life. In 2008, mater to teach.
Byrd is the 60th recipient of the he left a career in the financial field to work Providing fair access to education for
prestigious award, and the third from the in the Wayzata school district, first as a hall all students, something Byrd found lacking
Minneapolis district to be named Minne- supervisor and a coach in football and track in his own experience, is his teaching goal.
sota Teacher of the Year. An independent and field. During that time, he decided to “True access to education can change the
selection committee representing Min- pursue a teaching degree. He enrolled in a trajectory of a student,” he said. “It could

CONGRATULATIONS

TRACY BYRD

Metro State graduate and Minnesota Teacher of the Year

Lead with passion
and purpose.

Bachelor's and master's programs in teaching:
A member of Minnesota State metrostate.edu/urbanteacherprogram