Ms. Byer

Welcome to First Grade.

I am excited for a fun year. I am looking forward to getting to know the students and working with each one of you. It is going to be a great year full of learning. I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself.

My name is Marla Byer. I moved to Arizona in 1987 when I was 19 years old. While teaching preschool, I attended Arizona State University where I received a degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in early childhood education. This is my 15th year of teaching since graduation. My formal teaching career began in the Deer Valley District where I taught first grade for three years. After having my first son, I decided to remain at home for the first few years of his life. I continued to be home raising boys for 9 wonderful years. When my oldest went to kindergarten, I began teaching pre-kindergarten part-time at Northwest Christian Preschool. In 2008, I returned to the classroom full-time at the Dysart Early Childhood Education Center. There I taught a preschool special education self-contained classroom for 2 years and then a preschool speech articulation classroom for 3 more years. I also acquired my Early Childhood Special Education certification during this time. I came to Parkview four years ago, and was very happy to be returning to the very place I began my formal teaching career. . .in first grade.

I am Mom to 2 big boys. Though they are almost grown they still manage to keep me on my toes. My oldest is 21 and will be a Junior at the University of Arizona, and my youngest is 18 and will be a Senior this year. When I am not teaching, I am happiest being outdoors. I love to hike trails all around the valley. I also love to kayak and fish. I frequently bring photos or “treasures” from my adventures back to the my classroom to share with my students.

I am looking forward to an exciting school year getting to know you and your child and watching him/her grow and develop through activities he/she experiences at school. My classroom will be a structured environment with high expectations, but a safe place to learn, explore, and try new things. Your child will have an opportunity this year to begin to explore how they learn best through a flexible seating environment. We will be learning in whole group, small group, centers and in independent work. This will prove to be an exciting and fun year. If you have any concerns throughout the year please either call me at (623-523-8650) or email me at (marla.byer@dysart.org ).

Marla Byer

1st Grade Teacher

Parkview Elementary School

Dysart Unified School District

16066 North Parkview Place

Surprise, Arizona 85374

(623)-523-8651

marla.byer@dysart.org