When you enter Amy Bukoski’s seventh-grade language arts classroom at Byron Middle School, you immediately sense something extraordinary. From the subtle din of bobbleheads quietly bobbing away on her shelves to the arrangement of desks forming an inclusive space for conversation, it’s clear that Amy’s classroom isn’t just about reading and literature—it’s about fostering a love of learning, community, and kindness.

Amy, a 19-year veteran of Byron Schools, didn’t begin her career in the town she now calls home. Originally from Pecatonica, she started her teaching journey in Polo. It wasn’t until 2006 , after a serendipitous opportunity arose, that she joined Byron Middle School, a place that quickly became more than just her workplace. Today, she’s not just an educator—she’s a proud Byron parent and community member.

“Byron felt like home even before it was,” Amy reflects. “The opportunities here—for both my students and my family—are endless. This is a district where people support one another and where excellence in academics, athletics, and facilities sets us apart.”

Amy teaches language arts, a subject that she acknowledges can be challenging to win students over to. With the distractions of social media, sports, and teenage life competing for attention, she knows that reigniting a love of reading can feel like an uphill battle. But Amy embraces the challenge.

Her classroom is filled with carefully chosen literature designed to capture students’ imaginations. From Brian’s Song to the Rebecca Caudill Book Award nominees, Amy ensures her students experience stories that resonate with them, sparking curiosity and a renewed appreciation for books.

“It’s about finding that one story or author that speaks to them,” Amy explains. “For some, it might be a traditional novel; for others, it’s discovering audiobooks or graphic novels. The goal isn’t just to teach reading—it’s to help students fall in love with stories again.”

Amy also champions a reading-aloud practice—a rarity in middle school classrooms today. “Hearing a story read aloud not only models good reading but also lets students enjoy literature without the pressure of assignments or tests. It’s a shared experience that can make a big impact,” she says.

But it’s not just academics that set Amy’s classroom apart. A cornerstone of her teaching philosophy is kindness. Over the years, she has developed what she affectionately calls her “Kindness Campaign.” Through this initiative, Amy encourages her students to write kindness cards—handwritten notes of gratitude, encouragement, or support—for teachers, classmates, or community members.

“The cards are always available,” Amy says, gesturing to the colorful array of slots on her classroom wall. “Whether it’s a birthday, a thank-you, or a message of sympathy, students know they can grab a card and make someone’s day better. It’s about teaching them the power of small gestures.”

Amy integrates the Kindness Campaign into her curriculum, teaching students how to write meaningful messages. “We often focus on teachers—past or present—who’ve made a difference in their lives. The students deliver them in person, and the joy it brings is incredible,” she explains.

One of Amy’s proudest moments came recently when her students rallied to write cards for a classmate grieving the sudden loss of a parent. “They didn’t need to be prompted,” she recalls. “They understood what it meant to step up and support someone. Moments like that remind me why I do this.”

Amy’s commitment to building strong relationships extends to the way she arranges her classroom. The desks are organized in a way that fosters collaboration and conversation. “It’s not just about sitting next to someone—it’s about facing one another and learning how to communicate,” Amy explains.

She also sees this setup as a way to build empathy among students. “Middle school can be hard, and it’s not always easy to sit next to someone you don’t know or wouldn’t normally talk to. But those moments of discomfort often lead to the most growth.”

Beyond her classroom, Amy is a champion of Byron’s community spirit. She highlights the district’s state-of-the-art facilities, stellar academic programs, and close-knit atmosphere as reasons Byron is such a unique place to live and work.

“It’s rare to find a small-town district with resources and opportunities that rival suburban schools,” she says. “Byron has always been a place where people invest in the future, and that’s what makes it so special.”

For Amy, teaching is about more than imparting knowledge—it’s about shaping better humans. “If my students leave my class as kinder, more thoughtful people who’ve discovered even a small love of learning, I’ve done my job,” she says with a smile.

Amy Bukoski’s story is one of dedication, compassion, and a deep belief in the transformative power of education. She embodies the values that make Byron Schools exceptional and serves as a reminder of the profound impact a single teacher can have on their students, their community, and the future.