Legacy's Teacher of the Month is Brandi Bryant-Williams. She currently teaches English II. She tries to attend as many activities as possible that her students are involved in, and she supports whatever fundraisers they are doing. She has been teaching with Tyler ISD for 7 years but has taught elsewhere.
What are your favorite things about Legacy: "I get to advocate for students and become their voice when they feel like they can't speak. I have the opportunity to help students make better choices for the present that will impact their future. I love when students thank me for being their "mom" because I stay on top of them about their academics and I show up to their events to support them because their parents can't be there. It is a wonderful feeling when the parents of my students thank me for all that I do and have done for their child (many have told me that as a parent, I couldn't get through to him or her, but you did). I love that my students know that when they feel like the weight of the world is on their shoulders that I can take that same weight and carry it with them. I enjoy being able to read and listen to a child's hopes, dreams, desires, goals, motivations, and plans for their life. I enjoy the fact that students allow me to help guide them in the right direction that will lead them on a path of fulfilling those goals and desires. Frustrations, disappointments, misunderstandings come along with life, and I am able to help them see that the world has not ended, the sun is still going to rise and set. They will be okay, and tomorrow is a new day. They know that I am the real deal. Last but not least, I enjoy being that listening ear for them whenever they need to talk to someone. I love the people that I work with, and I always tell them that I cherish the friendship. "
Fun Facts about Ms. Bryant-Williams:
- I have worn something purple on Thursdays for the past 8 years to work! One year some of my students started doing it too! It is my favorite color.
- I have never taken off from work unless if it was for district business or campus business. I have only taken off once back in 2015 when my grandfather passed. Yes, I am that dedicated!
- I am a third generation Tyler ISD employee.
- I have three degrees in English!
- I love to sing!
- I had some students two or three times before they graduated high school (I had them for English I, English II and English III or English IV).
- I am a graduate of Van High School, Tyler Junior College, and Stephen Fuller Austin State University (Lifetime Alumni Member)
- One year I had a student that looked like me. I didn't realize this until the last day of school, but my students had been saying it all year.
- I had students one year who asked me if I could go with them to college and be their English professor.
- When previous students come and see me, I can tell them exactly where they sat in my class.
Congratulations Ms. Bryant-Williams