mary byzcek

Fairfax Teacher Encourages and Motivates

By Henrietta Gomes
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the Issue of 5/3/07) mary byczek

Her own enthusiasm and excitement for learning evokes the same spirit in Mary Byczek’s fifth-graders. Byczek, longtime teacher at St. Leo the Great School in Fairfax, keeps her students motivated and it seems to come naturally.
As she constantly moves around the classroom her students are riveted by her animated presence and angle their bodies so as to better see her.
“We must care for God’s creation,” said Byczek to her students during a class discussion on the current state of earth. After telling them of their personal responsibility to help save the earth, she also reminded them that ultimately God is in charge.
“How are you going to help save the earth?” she asked and then quickly tossed a rubber ball to a student and eagerly awaited his answer. After pledging to recycle more, the student tossed the ball to another student. The ball made its round throughout the classroom for the next five minutes as students answered the question.
Byczek’s unconventional methods of teaching allow her students to have fun while they learn. Her lively personality keeps them attentive and the way she often dramatically begs her class to answer a question encourages them to participate.
According to Byczek, organization and integration are key aspects of her teaching methods because it helps keeps the students motivated. She finds herself integrating faith throughout various subjects, she said. The students can achieve anything, “if they understand that God is going to go with them. They are the future of my Church, of my world.” It is satisfying to “relay to them a God who truly forgives us,” said Byczek, who has led several workshops at conferences for teachers.
The native of Long Island, N.Y., knew she wanted to be a teacher since she was five years old and has been in the profession for 31 years. Byczek, who is married to her husband John, a retired officer in the U.S. Coast Guard, taught in schools around the country including Mobile, Ala., and Chicago, Ill.
“I love it here,” said Byczek, who has been teaching at St. Leo’s for the last 15 years. Regarding her experience at St. Leo, she feels “blessed,” she said, noting of the positive teamwork attitude of the faculty members and administration.
Listening to her students share their prayer intentions out loud is the favorite part of her day, said Byczek. “It’s my chance to truly get into their world.”
Praising her students for their willingness to give of themselves, she noted the times when they gave up their lunch period to help with the St. Vincent de Paul pantry at the church, and how they filled Christmas stockings and made Easter baskets for children in need. “They are such givers,” she said, almost surprised at their willingness to share. She humbly spoke as though her influence had nothing to do with it.
“I think 5th grade is the best kept secret,” she said, only partially joking. “I can see their creativity. I can see their minds working,” said the educator, who is known in the school for teaching outside the box and often urges her students to “Turn off that television and develop your own opinions.”
While many teachers may look forward to the summer to relax and perhaps to escape from lesson plans, Byczek, who has led several workshops for teachers, finds herself immersed in brainstorming for new teaching methods and new ideas.
It is her love and passion for teaching that gives her the energy to tackle each day, she said. “I love what I’m doing. I couldn’t imagine my life doing anything else.”

Henrietta Gomes can be reached at hgomes@catholicherald.com