An Interview with Mr. Byer

Q & A with Mr. Byer...

How long have you been teaching?

This is my 20th year teaching. I began my career at Kettering Middle School and taught eighth grade social studies for 3 years. Then, I moved to Kettering Fairmont High School and have been here for the past 17 years.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Kettering, Ohio-I am a proud product of the Kettering City Schools!  

Do you still reside in Kettering today?

I do, yes. Kettering is a special place to me. I consider it a privilege to live and work in the same community.

Tell me about your family.

I have been happily married for 17 years to my wonderful wife, Megan (we had our wedding reception at Trent Arena). She is a sixth grade English teacher at Van Buren Middle School. We have 4 fantastic kids-Nolan (13), Cole (8), Margo (6), and Audrey (4).

Where did you go to college?

I am a proud graduate of Ohio University. There, I majored in Integrated Social Studies Education with a minor in History. Shortly after earning my undergraduate degree, I went to Wright State University and received my Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Secondary Curriculum. At WSU, I went on to earn my gifted intervention specialist endorsement. This gifted teaching endorsement is focused on serving the needs of students identified as gifted and developing coursework focused on meeting their educational needs.

Do you have any hobbies?

I am a BIG college football fan. During the football season, I follow Ohio U. (my alma mater) and Michigan. Yes, Michigan!  My dad grew up in Michigan and I have a strong affinity for Michigan sports. So, go blue! In fact, my sons and I are on a mission to visit EVERY Big Ten Stadium in the Big Ten Conference. We have seen the state of Indiana (Purdue University in 2018 and Indiana University in 2019), Michigan State (2021), the University of Illinois (2022), Penn State University (2024), and the University of Wisconsin (2025). Up next is the home of the Wildcats-Northwestern University!

Also, I enjoy sports PA announcing. I got my start in sports PA announcing in college, announcing a synchronized ice-skating event and have been doing it ever since! At Fairmont, I am the sports PA announcer for the football team, boys basketball team and track and field team. 

Do you have any siblings?

I have 2 siblings. My younger brother, Craig, is a seventh grade English teacher at Kettering Middle School. My younger sister, Marie, is a high school English teacher at Kettering Fairmont High School.

What is your favorite pizza place?

Counsin Vinny's Pizza in Kettering! 

Coke or Pepsi?

Coca-Cola Classic is simply delicious.

Where do you go for a cup of coffee?  

Starbucks-a large black coffee...outstanding!

What is your favorite TV show?

I'm a BIG Seinfeld fan. But my favorite TV show of ALL TIME is The Office. I have seen all 201 episodes many times over! And whenever relevant, I will reference The Office in class.

Favorite vacation spot?

Bethany Beach, Delaware has become a family tradition.  Nestled in southern Delaware (the second smallest state in the country) Bethany Beach is a beautiful place with lots of cool shops and places to eat.  

Anything else of interest?

I enjoy antique stores and collecting things from the age of sports during the 1980s and 1990s. I grew up watching Michael Jordan and playing arguably the greatest arcade game of all time-NBA JAM! 

HERE'S TO A GREAT SCHOOL YEAR!!!  

-Mr. Byer