Kyair Butts is the 2019 Teacher of the Year for Baltimore City Public Schools. He teaches English Language Arts (ELA) at Elmer A. Henderson-Hopkins Partnership School in Baltimore City and is a teacher leader in the district creating, facilitating, and leading district professional development centered on literacy and equity. Kyair mentors young and/or new-to-profession educators. He has been featured in various education blogs (EdSurge, Education Week) and literacy podcasts (Knowledge Matters Podcast, Melissa & Lori Love Literacy) for his work in urban literacy curricula especially knowledge building & fluency, specifically his deep knowledge of the “Wit & Wisdom” curriculum (GreatMinds). Kyair is in his 10th year with Baltimore City Public Schools and continues to find joy in the classroom and his community. His students are potent motivators to continue in this work by continuing to fulfill a passion driven purpose. Kyair earned his Master’s in Elementary Education & Master’s in Special Education from Lesley University’s Graduate School of Education. Follow Kyair and his students on Twitter (@kyairb) and Instagram (@MrK_bcpss).