Zyaira James
Teaching
Her Journey WST ’24
Awards
- Best Attendance Award
- Collaborative Educator Award
- Innovative Teaching Practice Award
- WS/FCS Teacher of Promise
About Zyaira
Diggs-Latham
Elementary
Zyaira James is a passionate and dedicated educator who believes in the power of education to inspire, empower, and create meaningful change in the lives of young learners. As a proud member of the inaugural cohort of Winston-Salem TEACH (WS TEACH), she began her teaching career in the fall of 2024. Her educational journey began at Franklin & Marshall College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing with a minor in Environmental Justice Studies. Driven by her passion for working with children and making a difference, she joined WS TEACH and earned her master’s degree in Elementary Education from Salem College.
During her year-long teaching internship at Diggs-Latham Elementary School, Zyaira demonstrated a strong commitment to her students, colleagues, and professional growth. Her dedication and contributions were recognized by WS TEACH, where she received three distinguished awards: the Best Attendance Award, Collaborative Educator Award, and Innovative Teaching Practice Award. These honors reflected her commitment to showing up for her students, working collaboratively with fellow educators, and bringing creativity and innovation into the classroom.
Zyaira is currently in her third year of teaching at Diggs-Latham Elementary School, where she proudly teaches second grade. Following her first year of teaching, she was recognized as a Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WS/FCS) Teacher of Promise, an honor that celebrated her potential, dedication, and positive impact as an emerging educator. She was recognized in the Winston Salem Journal in March 2026 and on FOX 8 News in September 2026, reflecting on her experience as a teacher in the WS Teach program.
Throughout her teaching experience, Zyaira has learned that being an educator is about much more than delivering lessons and teaching academic skills. It is about building meaningful relationships, creating a classroom where every child feels valued, and helping students discover their own strengths and abilities. She strives to make learning engaging, creative, and accessible by incorporating hands-on experiences, collaboration, and opportunities for students to express themselves. Her students have taught her the importance of patience, flexibility, compassion, and celebrating even the smallest victories. Each year has brought new challenges, valuable lessons, and opportunities for growth, shaping her into a more confident, reflective, and intentional educator. She believes that while she is responsible for teaching her students, they continuously teach her just as much about perseverance, joy, and the importance of community.
Over the past three wonderful years at Diggs-Latham Elementary, Zyaira has developed a deep appreciation for the school community that has supported her journey from student teacher to classroom educator. Diggs-Latham has become more than just a place where she teaches; it is a community where she has built lasting relationships, discovered her voice as an educator, and continued to grow both personally and professionally. She remains grateful for the students, families, mentors, and colleagues who have been part of her journey. As she continues her teaching career, Zyaira looks forward to inspiring young minds, embracing new opportunities for growth, and making a lasting difference in the community she is proud to call home.