By Lurene Heyl
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
A Waverly Elementary/Middle School sixth grade instructor who was named Teacher of the Year in April was honored by the Baltimore City Council Monday evening.
Kyair Butts, an English language arts teacher who has taught at Waverly for one year, said he was humbled by the award and credited his success in the classroom to the school’s principal, Tanya Green, who was also recognized last night.
“While I’ve said this before, I understand that Teacher of the Year is a single award given to one person, but as you can see, it is a culmination of a lot of hard work that many have poured into,” Butts said. “I really appreciate the leadership of Dr. Green through her mentorship and faith. All is possible and it is through good leaders that we’re able to have strong and great schools.”
He added: “No teacher wins this award alone. They win it because they have great leaders like Dr. Green ensuring that teachers can thrive, ensuring that students are able to get what they need to excel and making sure that equity is possible for the students of Baltimore City.”
Butts also praised the parents who support the school as well as his students.
“Because we have really good parents as you can see behind me, and really good supporters, this award, as much it is mine, it is also there’s,” he said. “To my students who showed up today, to my families, their mothers and guardians who showed up today, I really sincerely appreciate and love you.”
Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke, D-District 14, presented both Butts and Green with two proclamations signed by the president of the City Council, Brandon Scott.
“Mr. Butts is beloved through the school and a great teacher, obviously,” Clarke said. “That’s the most important thing, but Mr. Butts also spends a lot of time working with other teachers in concert to try to help the whole Baltimore City Public Schools understand the importance of equity and the importance of collegiality in helping set the right climate for the children of our city.
“He’s been not just a practitioner, but he’s been going forward to spread that word amongst his colleagues and been part of those organizations, and we’re very proud of him,” she added.
Butts was named Teacher of the Year on April 29 when the school district’s CEO, Sonja Brookins Santelises, made a surprise visit to his classroom.
He will receive a cash award as well as classroom supplies from the Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke Endowment Fund. He will also get to throw the first pitch at the City Schools Orioles Night on May 22.
Butts, who is known as Mr. K, will complete for Maryland Teacher of the Year. The winner of that competition represents the state at the national competition.
Butts previously taught at Calverton Elementary/Middle School. He has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and journalism from Drake University and a master’s degree in elementary and special education from Lesley University.
He acts as a lead facilitator for the race and equity issues for the Urban Teachers program. He has been recognized as Coach of the Year by the Baltimore Urban Debate League and as Most Valuable Urban Teacher and Most Valuable Participant in Community and Family Engagement by the Urban Teachers program.
Green, who not only has been helping and mentoring at Waverly, but also at Calverton as the former principal, was also recognized Monday night for her hard work and excellence.
“She’s a great principal who we’re so proud of,” Clarke said.
“I am truly at a loss of words and I never thought I would say that, ever,” Green said. “I want to say thank you as well to our president, Scott, and our City Council and our children.”
Just as Butts, Green noted how being in this moment would not be possible without the help of her team behind her.
“This is really an example of hard work and collaboration with our community partners,” Green said. “Our assistant principal, our fabulous YMCA and of course we can’t do anything without our district support.”
Green, who was the former principal at Calverton, hired Butts as a teacher.