Louisiana Exemplary Educator Jamie Byrd’s passion for special education started when she herself was a student at Zachary High. She was able to work with an autistic classmate, and soon realized that she had a heart for those with developmental disabilities. Years later, when she started teaching Special Ed at Zachary High, she immediately started thinking of ways that she could get the students more connected to the wider school community. 

Because of her involvement with the ZHS Cheerleading program, it was a natural fit to first bring some members of the Cheer team into her classroom as volunteers. Soon, members of the ZHS Baseball team were also joining in. The presence of these student athletes completely changed the dynamic of the Special Ed program, both inside and outside the classroom.

“All of a sudden, my students became almost like celebrities around school. Everyone knew their names and would talk to them in the hall.” At that point, it became obvious that the informal buddy program was a huge success, and Byrd realized that it needed to be turned into an elective credit.

“I have to know the students well and see how they interact with my kids before they can join Bronco Buddies,” she explains. It’s important that the Special Ed students have a rapport with anyone who is going to be regularly coming into the classroom or partnering with them when they’re out doing activities around the school. The Bronco Buddies are also responsible for partnering with each Special Ed student for the Special Needs Prom. 

“The Bronco Buddies get so excited planning everything,” says Byrd. “They’re already talking about who they’ll take next year.” For the parents of the kids in Special Ed, it’s an event that allows their children to do something they never thought would be possible: be completely welcomed and celebrated at a high school dance. It’s a real friendship between the Bronco Buddies and the Special Ed students. They’re genuinely excited to be around each other and to celebrate each other's accomplishments. 

Students interested in joining Bronco Buddies as upperclassmen should demonstrate interest in getting to know the Special Ed students as freshmen and sophomores. Admittance to the program is subject to Jamie Byrd’s approval, because she’s fiercely protective of her students. Getting in is more than worth the effort though for special relationships that can last a lifetime. 

Awards:

2020 State of Louisiana DREAM TEACHER by the Saurage family and Community Coffee

2021 Norman Saurage Award

2023 Rotary Citizen of the Year by the Zachary Rotary Club 

2024 Louisiana Exemplary Educator by the Louisiana Dept. of Education