Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Zakiya G. Byrams

Loganville,GA

Summary

Adaptable and dedicated special needs advocate with a substantial focus on the individual needs of Special Education Students. Amiable and empathetic professional who is also a parent of a student with a disability, as well as accommodating in the design and implementation of differentiated instruction. Skilled in addressing student needs, ensuring that students thrive and evolve in an adaptable educational arena. Explicit classroom management strategies and excellent interpersonal and communication skills to establish an excellent rapport with all school community members.

An education professional committed to fostering stimulating and supportive learning environment. Proven ability to develop tailored lesson plans that cater to varied learning styles and enhance student understanding. Collaborative team player focused on achieving academic success and adapting to evolving educational demands with reliability and flexibility. Skilled in classroom management and student assessment, with personable and patient demeanor that encourages student growth.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Lead 5th Grade Teacher of the Year

Utopian Academy for the Arts Elementary School
01.2022 - Current
  • Apply differentiated instruction aligned with 5th-grade standards
  • Integrate literacy strategies across all content areas
  • Adapt instruction to meet Individual Education Program (IEP) goals using Special Education (K-12) certification
  • Mentor colleagues through coaching, collaboration, and professional support
  • Empowered learners with confidence and critical thinking skills
  • Recognition as a high-impact educator and leader
  • 2025-2026

Lead Special Education Teacher

DeKalb Preparatory Academy
Decatur, GA
01.2017 - 01.2022
  • Responsible for delivering general administrative duties to SPED team
  • Ensuring that students are receiving services per their IEP
  • Review progress monitoring
  • Review all IEP’s
  • Engage in all IEP meetings

Special Education Paraprofessional, Special Education Teacher

Carver Middle School
Monroe, GA
01.2006 - 01.2015

Education

Master of Secondary Education -

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
01-2011

Bachelor of Science - Legal Studies

Kaplan University
Iowa
01-2008

Skills

  • Multidisciplinary Education Plan
  • Student-Centered Learning Environment
  • Student Motivation
  • Individual Education Plan
  • Team Teaching Approach
  • Parent and Teacher Conferences
  • Dyslexia Endorsement
  • Curriculum Development
  • Elementary Lead Teacher of The Year 2025-2026

Certification

  • Certified Reading Specialist General Education K-12
  • Certified Reading Specialist, Special Education, K-12
  • Special Education General Curriculum
  • Support Person of the Year (2011-2012)
  • Dyslexia Endorsement June 2021
  • Teacher of the Month December 2024
  • Teacher of the Year 2025-2026

Timeline

Lead 5th Grade Teacher of the Year

Utopian Academy for the Arts Elementary School
01.2022 - Current

Lead Special Education Teacher

DeKalb Preparatory Academy
01.2017 - 01.2022

Special Education Paraprofessional, Special Education Teacher

Carver Middle School
01.2006 - 01.2015

Bachelor of Science - Legal Studies

Kaplan University

Master of Secondary Education -

Grand Canyon University
Zakiya G. Byrams