In the halls of Mary Morgan Elementary School, the warmth and energy of Erin Mumma, a fifth-grade teacher, are impossible to miss. Over the past 15 years, Erin has cultivated a classroom that’s more than just a place for learning—it’s a second family for her students.

“My goal is to create a family dynamic,” Erin shares. “I want my kids to feel safe, valued, and understood. When they know you’ve got their back, they’ll give you their very best.”

Erin’s teaching career began in special education, working with third through fifth graders before transitioning to a co-teaching model. Along the way, she partnered with some exceptional educators who shaped her approach. “I learned so much from my colleagues,” she reflects. “They pushed me to be better every day.”

When an opportunity arose to become a lead fifth-grade teacher, Erin embraced it wholeheartedly. “I love fifth grade,” she says. “It’s a pivotal year where students start figuring out who they are. They come in as kids and leave as middle schoolers, ready to take on new challenges.”

Erin’s dedication to her students goes far beyond academics. Her classroom emphasizes empathy and personal growth. “We talk a lot about understanding others,” she explains. “Not everyone wakes up in the same situation, and I want my students to recognize and respect that.”

A series of class photos inside her supply closet tells the story of Erin’s journey. Each snapshot represents a unique group of students who’ve left their mark on her heart. “I keep every class picture,” she says with pride. “When they come back to visit, they love seeing their fifth-grade selves. It’s a reminder of how far they’ve come.”

Erin’s path to Byron wasn’t a straight line. Raised in the Quad Cities, she taught in various communities across Iowa, Kansas, and Illinois before settling in Byron in 2006. “We moved here for family, and it was the best decision we ever made,” Erin recalls. “The community embraced us, and my daughters thrived in Byron Schools.”

Her daughters’ success is a testament to the strength of Byron’s educational community. One daughter is pursuing a doctorate in agricultural education at Purdue University, while the other is an accountant on her way to becoming a CPA. “Their teachers here in Byron made all the difference,” Erin says. “They inspired my girls to dream big and work hard.”

Erin’s love for her work is matched by her admiration for her colleagues. “This is an incredible team,” she says. “We lift each other up, share ideas, and grow together. It’s a privilege to be part of a district that values excellence and community.”

As Erin approaches retirement in 2030, she’s already thinking about how she’ll continue to give back. “I’ll find ways to stay involved,” she promises. “This community has given me so much, and I want to keep contributing.”

For Erin Mumma, teaching isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. Her classroom is a place where students learn, grow, and feel deeply cared for. And for generations of Byron students, her impact will be felt long after they’ve left her classroom.