MADISON – After graduating from college, Kate Byrne was excited to discover an opening at her alma mater, Mill Creek Elementary School.

“When I saw that there was a position open at Mill Creek, I jumped at the chance to apply,” Byrne said. She is first Mill Creek student to return and teach at her former school.

Byrne attended Mill Creek from 2011 to 2015 and then graduated from James Clemens High School.

“I remember my fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Pratt. She was so kind to me and made me enjoy coming to school every day,” Byrne said.

“Mr. Wade Thaxton, who is still at Mill Creek, was an awesome teacher, as well. He was my sixth-grade teacher and prepared me to move on to middle school,” she said. “He also made the learning environment fun!”

While attending Mill Creek, Byrne was devoted to cheerleading. “I was a cheerleader for 13 years. I loved to do anything cheerleading related. . . stunting, tumbling, practicing,” she said.

“Mill Creek hasn’t changed much. Of course, most of the teachers are different, but Mill Creek still is as special as I remember it,” Byrne said.

“Mill Creek focuses on the students and what teachers can do to help them,” she said. “Mill Creek is also a positive and uplifting environment, which I remember from the past.”

Byrne wants to gain some experience before she defines her teaching philosophy. “Being a first year teacher, it is hard to say exactly what my ‘philosophy’ is. With the help of my mentors and my own teaching experience, I will create my own unique philosophy,” she said.

A graduate of Auburn University, Byrne earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority and served as the Chapter Life Vice President.

Byrne realized that she wanted to work as a teacher after enrolling at Auburn. “It was stressful picking my major, but I remember thinking what made me happiest and it was kids. That’s when I knew that I wanted to major in education.”

“I wanted to work at Madison City Schools because, in my opinion, they are the best of the best. I wanted to return to Mill Creek because of the fond memories I had here,” Byrne said.

In free time away from Mill Creek, Byrne is an avid reader and likes to work out and listen to music, especially Taylor Swift.