April’s Teacher Feature Winner: Colleen Broyles

BECKLEY, W.Va. (WVVA) - Colleen Broyles from Beckley Elementary School is April’s winner for WVVA and Cole Chevy’s Teacher Feature Contest.

She’s been teaching in special education for the last 14 years. Broyles says she starting teaching in Boone County and gained her love for special education after becoming a long term substitute for those with learning disabilities.

“It’s part of my heart. They’re my kids, I work with them everyday. They make me smile when I see them be successful,” said Broyles. “Whether that’s reading and writing and math or behavioral or social or just helping them learn how to make mistakes and grow from it. That’s what I enjoy.”

Broyles says she prides herself on putting her students first and often times finds herself getting to school early and sometimes staying late. She says she also takes time to attend student’s extracurricular activities.

“I do try to go to ball games when I can and let my students who play see me be there to support them and attend field trips when I can. Just be a part of their lives and be in their corner,” said Broyles. “Be that one more adult that they may need in their corner and support them.”

Broyles says she hopes her students understand it’s okay to make mistakes and that they can be successful regardless of any disability or label that has been placed on them.

Broyles is the last winner for this school year’s contest.

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