To Ms. Delphia Bryant, teaching means more than a paycheck. She sees herself as students' hostess for the day, there to provide them with important knowledge. If one method of teaching doesn't work with a particular student, then she tries another. Ms. Bryant doesn't stop until she gets it right.
Ms. Bryant, ninth grade physics and physical science teacher, has been named the Teacher of the Year for Grady High School, for the high school division and for the Atlanta Public Schools System. "It was a surprise to me when I found out that I was nominated," Ms. Bryant said.
The Teacher of the Year is nominated by his or her peers and then must submit answers to a series of questions. These questions include a biography sketch, an explanation of her teaching philosophy, and her reasons for wanting to teach. After a review of the other nominees, including the elementary and middle school Teachers of the Year, Ms. Bryant was selected.
"I think this is a reward for a lot of hard work that I have put into teaching. I really care about my students; I try to be fair and understanding," Ms. Bryant said.
"It was no surprise to me that she won," Grady Principal Dr. Murray said, "The caliber of her instruction ability, her capability to teach several levels in one setting and her innovation with her students made her a great choice."
Although Ms. Bryant excels in teaching, becoming a psychologist was her original plan. "I was asked to fill in as a science teacher until another could be found, [and] here I am twelve years later," Ms. Bryant said.
Before coming to Grady three years ago, Bryant taught at Frederick Douglass High School for nine years. "Ms. Bryant has brought a lot to Grady. The students are fortunate to have a lady like Ms.
Bryant in their freshman year, because she is caring, understanding, has a great sense of humor, and is highly knowledgeable in her field," David Strickland, Grady ecology and biology teacher, said.
In addition to her science classes, Bryant also heads two student success programs: Mentoring, and Tutoring for Student Success. These programs hope to unite Grady's students with the school's educational partners.
She is respected by the majority of her students and seen as someone not to mess with. "She is very assertive and stands by what she says; there's no changing her mind," Ashton Powell, sophomore, said.
Outside of school Ms. Bryant enjoys a number of activities, including attending plays, reading and being active in church. "My favorite things to do are cooking and entertaining," Ms. Bryant said.
She has no children of her own, but this allows her to bring even more to her students. "My job requires me to give 100% every day, and so I give it," Ms. Bryant said.
Bryant earned her undergraduate degree in math and science from Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama, and went on to receive her masters in science education at Georgia State University.
Web Note: Beginning with school year 2000-2001 Ms. Bryant began working at North Atlanta High School as an Assistant Principal. Her Email address is dbryant728@aol.com.