Teacher of the Month

Rebecca Byler: A Passionate Teacher & A Creative Innovator

Rebecca Byler admits that while her passion for teaching hasn't changed, what's being demanded of teachers has. Piles of paperwork have kept this Nashville native – and countless other teachers – from focusing on what's really important in the classroom: teaching!

Tired of the old slide grader that has been used to grade papers for decades, Rebecca came up with the idea of an electronic pen that would keep track of right and wrong answers, as well as calculate the grade. Through Everyday Edisons, Rebecca's rudimentary prototype has been transformed into a high-tech, sleek new tool perfect for time-crunched teachers, now called the "Edugrader."

Teaching is a substantial part of Rebecca’s life. Not only has she taught for 27 years her two older sisters are career teachers and her husband, Jud, is a Special Education teacher, too! Rebecca currently teaches 6th Grade Special Education at Gra Mar Middle School in Metro Nashville Davidson County.

BKFK talked to Rebecca about her invention, the secret behind her innovative spirit, and her support for youth innovation.

BKFK: How did you get the idea of the "Edugrader"?
RB: One late night grading papers, I started thinking, “There’s got to be a better way to do this.” I was trying to stay awake while fumbling with a tedious and old-fashioned sliding grader, pen, calculator, grade book and my stack of student papers. I just sat there and visualized a pen that could do the multi-step process more quickly and efficiently. I added it to the list of other ideas in the recesses of my mind.
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BKFK: You were successful in inventing a product from your idea. Can you tell us what it takes to be a successful inventor/innovator?
RB: My dad instilled in me the drive to keep a watchful eye for a better mousetrap or a new way to solve a problem. I guess I’ve always had the mindset to “think outside the box.” To be successful, however, you have to do research, develop a business plan and have some financial means or backing - - - Or, you can be on a reality show like Everyday Edisons!

BKFK: Do you think it is important to engage youth in innovation?
RB: Unquestionably! I never had a teacher to encourage my creativity. Luckily, my parents did. Helping students to understand the creative process and then the process of how an idea can develop into an actual product that can make real money could be motivating to students on many levels. Research, writing, math, teamwork, public speaking, and computer skills are all results of engaging youth in innovative processes.

BKFK: What do you think teachers can do to help kids be more creative and innovative?
RB: Expect big things! Pose problems for kids to solve. Foster creative thinking activities. Encourage informed risk-taking. Exemplify ordinary people who changed their world and convince kids that they can, too. Find entrepreneurs in their communities to act as mentors and role models. Utilize the great ideas on websites like “By Kids For Kids,” and allow students to watch quality television shows about innovation in business, such as “Everyday Edisons.” There have been quite a few TV specials, recently, about young millionaires who started their careers as children. The ideas are unlimited for a creative teacher. Just watch for inspirational stories to share and always celebrate a student’s creativity.

BKKF: Did "Everyday Edisons" help bring out the innovative side in you?
RB: “Everyday Edisons” was the teacher that I never had to inspire me and give my ideas validity. It has given me confidence to try to pursue developing other products. The show has been excellent at helping me to understand the process of taking a simple idea to a finished, saleable product.

BKFK: Would you recommend entering BKFK competitions to your students?
RB: Students should be encouraged to enter any contest or competition that they can. They also need to understand that failure is a building block of success and that it shouldn’t be a deterrent to trying new things. Failure means that you are still trying to achieve your dream.