Kenesha Hayles (she/her) is a Special Education Teacher at The Kindezi West Charter School in the Metro Atlanta area. She spends her days teaching Math and ELA in a small group setting to 8th graders, as well as Social Studies, Science, and Reading in a co-taught environment. Additionally, she serves as the case manager for six middle school students, writing their IEPs and supporting their individual learning needs.

Kenesha’s strengths as an educator include communication and engagement. She believes in maintaining open and honest communication between teachers, students, and all stakeholders involved in a student’s learning. She prioritizes keeping her students engaged in lessons, fostering active participation that promotes meaningful learning experiences.

In the classroom, Kenesha finds joy in witnessing her students grasp content and experience “light bulb moments.” Outside of work, she draws joy and inspiration from her three teenagers, whose unique personalities keep her energized and smiling. In her downtime, Kenesha enjoys reading a good novel, attending church, enjoying delicious meals, and traveling beyond Georgia whenever possible.

Kenesha’s passion for special education is deeply personal, inspired by her late sister, who lived with epilepsy and autism. Honoring her sister’s memory is one reason she chose this path. Additionally, her own children motivate her to strive for excellence and serve as a positive role model, mirroring the welcoming environment she creates for her students.

Her journey into teaching was influenced by her 5th-grade teacher, whose sternness, empathy, and ability to connect with all students—especially quiet ones like herself—left a lasting impression. Kenesha aims to emulate that same connection, fostering positive teacher-student relationships while ensuring a strong focus on learning. She is passionate about amplifying student voices and believes every student deserves to feel seen and heard.

In her classroom, Kenesha brings a passion for teaching, a growth mindset, patience, inclusivity, positivity, and a collaborative spirit. Above all, she brings joy, believing that teaching should never be boring and that learning should always be an uplifting and inspiring experience.