Dr. Kelly Byrd
Education
B.S., Mathematics, Florida State University, 1993
M.A.T., Mathematics, University of Florida, 1995
Ph.D., Mathematics Education, University of Southern Mississippi, 2019
Teaching Philosophy
"My experience as a Senior Instructor at the University of South Alabama has awarded me many opportunities to teach a wide variety of classes. I have encountered students ranging from mathematics majors, to those completing mathematics for general education requirements, to those pursuing a teaching career at the elementary or secondary level. I set high expectations for all of my students, and provide experiences and support they need to attain those expectations.
My enthusiasm for the subject, as well as the teaching profession, is evident from the first day I walk into a classroom. My approach to teaching is like a key that starts the ignition to a car, but allows the students to drive. Igniting the fire in my students for teaching and learning, especially mathematics, is always a goal for me. I want my students to become confident in their ability to do mathematics. I want them to become confident in their ability to teach mathematics. I call my elementary education majors “mathematics teachers” because they are.
Since I began teaching in the College of Education, I am often called upon to conduct workshops for all levels of mathematics teachers based on my teaching ability and knowledge of the field. I visit classrooms frequently to remain knowledgeable about teaching mathematics in the public schools of today. If I am striving to share best practices with my students, I also have to know that it is possible for these innovative ideas to find their place in our structured curriculum.
In all that I teach, I am constantly seeking professional development opportunities to make me a more effective teacher and mentor to my students. My door is always open to them, and they know I truly care about them as students and as individuals. I want them to succeed, and I will do whatever it takes to help them reach their goals."
Research
Dr. Byrd's research interests lie in working with preservice teachers and their knowledge of, beliefs about, and confidence in teaching mathematics and STEM integrated lessons. She is also interested in mathematical content knowledge for teaching in middle school, as well as elementary school inservice teachers.
Outreach
Dr. Byrd is a Doctoral student of Mathematics Education at the University of South Alabama. Her research will inform new course development in the K-6 Teacher Education program. Partnering with Dr. Elizabeth Allison, we are in the early stages of researching and developing a fully integrated mathematics and science elementary methods course. As an Academic Advisor in the K-6 Teacher Education Program, she mentors and advise's elementary preservice teachers after they enter candidacy through the completion of their degree. As an Arts in Integration Mathematics Consultant, she conducts workshops for and serve as a mentor for elementary teachers to encourage art integration in the mathematics classroom. At the university level, Dr. Byrd has served on the Faculty Senate, serving as a voice for Instructors.
Biography
Dr. Byrd is originally from Eufaula, Alabama and moved to Mobile, AL in 1996, where she began her career at the University of South Alabama. She taught mathematics courses in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, and for many years taught mathematics education in CEPS as an instructor. She completed her doctoral degree in mathematics education in 2019 and shifted to working as a tenure track faculty member in CEPS. Currently she is teaching mathematics methods for the K-6 Teacher Education program, as well as supervising preservice teachers in the field and working to update program curriculum to be in-line with the Alabama Numeracy Act. Dr. Byrd has two beautiful children, Mackenzie and Brannon, they love being anywhere near the water. Dr. Byrd enjoys running and family dinners with my children in her spare time.