Stepping into Becky King’s second-grade classroom at Mary Morgan Elementary School in Byron, Illinois, is like walking into a nurturing cocoon of energy, curiosity, and connection. With a teaching career spanning over 19 years, Becky’s path to Byron and her impact on the school community is a testament to her passion for education and her belief in the transformative power of relationships.

Becky, originally from Michigan, started her career in retail after earning a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. But it wasn’t long before she realized her true calling lay in teaching—a profession she first dreamed of as a child, inspired by her mother, who taught for 37 years. “Retail taught me invaluable lessons about managing people and difficult conversations,” Becky reflects, “but I knew my heart belonged in the classroom.”

After earning a master’s degree in elementary education, Becky began teaching in Michigan before her husband’s career brought the family to Illinois. The Kings settled in Byron deliberately, drawn by the district’s reputation for excellence.

“When it came time for our son to start school, we knew we wanted the best environment for him,” Becky recalls. “Byron’s schools and community came highly recommended, and once we visited, we were sold. The tight-knit community and commitment to education here are truly special.”

Becky joined the Byron School District in 2016, initially teaching kindergarten before transitioning to second and third grades. Today, she is firmly rooted in second grade, where she navigates the crucial developmental stage between learning to read and reading to learn. 

“In second grade, we have students all over the map—some are decoding words, while others are diving into comprehension and analysis. It’s about meeting every child where they are and guiding them forward.”

Becky’s classroom is a dynamic space where foundational skills are taught through engaging lessons, often centered on overarching themes. A recent unit on money, for example, incorporated reading, writing, and real-world problem-solving. “We connected fictional stories about spending habits to nonfiction lessons on financial literacy,” Becky explains. “By weaving everything together, students see how concepts relate to their lives.”

Her students thrive in an environment of active learning and open dialogue. Whether discussing the virtues of saving money or analyzing character development in a story, Becky encourages her students to make connections that extend beyond the classroom.