Spotlight: Kayla Saxton (MS '25)

Mississippi Milken Educator Kayla Saxton (MS ‘25) creates a hands-on, student-centered classroom where curiosity and confidence shine at Mannsdale Upper Elementary School. She’s known for turning reluctant writers into confident communicators and building meaningful connections that last a lifetime. Her whole-child approach makes every student feel seen, supported, and inspired to succeed. Saxton received a Milken Educator Award on November 6, 2025.

Milken Family Foundation: How did you feel at your Milken Educator Award notification?

I was in complete shock! It took me a while to really comprehend what was going on, but from the moment Mrs. Bishop called my name, I felt so blessed to be awarded such a prestigious honor.

MFF: How did students respond to your Milken Award?

My students were so excited for me! I have been a teacher since 2018. I started here at Mannsdale in fourth grade. Two years ago, I was given the opportunity to teach third grade at Mannsdale. I can honestly say that I have loved every single year of teaching third! My first group of third graders are in fifth grade now, so it was really special to celebrate this award with every student I have taught in third grade so far.

MFF: How did you end up in education?

It was early 2015 – I had taken various paths in life since graduating high school in 2010. I attended college and then decided I was “grown,” so I got a job as a bank teller and later transitioned to working as a pharmacy tech. I met my now-husband, Cody, in the summer of 2014, and he encouraged me to go back to school and pursue my true passion—teaching children.

I really didn’t know where to start, but Cody had recently reconnected with his former college football coach, Corky Houghton, and found out that his wife, Dr. Debra Houghton, was the principal at Mannsdale Upper Elementary and was looking for a teaching assistant. I interviewed with her for the 2015–2016 school year and was offered a TA position in the special education department.

That fall, I enrolled in the USM TAP (University of Southern Mississippi Teacher Assistant Program) and pursued a Bachelor of Science in elementary education. After graduating in May 2018, I was hired at Mannsdale Upper to teach fourth grade reading, which I taught for five years. I now teach third grade reading here, and I can’t imagine working anywhere else. I can truly see how the Lord has used every single person in my life to guide me straight to my purpose.

MFF: How do you define “success” for yourself and for your students?

Success for me is living out my purpose. As a Christian, wife, mom of two, and teacher, it can be difficult to juggle it all. I am humbled daily knowing that I can’t do everything and be successful at all things at once. However, with my husband being a football coach, we have a saying: “Let’s go 1-0 every day,” which means let’s win each day.

That “win” may include challenges, disappointments, joy, or the unknown, but if we do our best, live out our God-given purpose, help at least one person, and make at least one person smile, then we’ve gone 1-0 that day.

I hold my students to the same standard. To me, they are so much more than a test score. I want them to leave my classroom measuring success by how kind they are, how brave they are, and how they value themselves.

MFF: Who are your role models in education?

I have been so blessed to work with and for so many amazing educators. I can truly say I would not be the teacher I am today without the people I have met along the way.

Dr. Nicole Cockrell, the principal at Mannsdale Upper, has believed in me since day one. She pushes me, encourages me, and challenges me to be a better version of myself every day. She is an outstanding leader, and I am so grateful for her continued guidance and support.

Mrs. Holly Jones, our assistant principal, has also been a huge blessing in my journey. I met her when I was a TA and she was a kindergarten teacher. She is one of the most genuine and encouraging people I know, and I am grateful to work under her leadership.

Dr. Marge Crowe was my mentor during my time at USM, and her impact on my professional life has been tremendous. I also had the incredible opportunity to student teach at Mannsdale under Mrs. Jamie Cunningham. She took me under her wing, mentored me, and helped shape me into the educator I am today. I will always be grateful—and it’s a bonus that I still get to work with her every day!

MFF: What do you hope students remember about you?

I hope students remember how loved they are. My prayer is that they feel safe and valued every time they walk into and out of my classroom. I want them to know they are so much more than a test grade or a state score.

I believe a person’s character says a lot about who they are, and I always encourage my students to never forget that. I want them to feel seen, important, and supported. I hope they always remember that I will be cheering them on in life—and that they continue to go 1-0 every single day.

MFF: Your classroom emphasizes hands-on, student-centered learning. How do you design lessons that engage learners and drive strong academic outcomes, especially in writing?

I love a good hands-on, student-centered lesson! One of my students’ favorite things is collaborating with others and truly taking ownership of their learning.

I start lessons by being in the “power zone,” introducing the concept and breaking down the day’s agenda. Then I give students the freedom to choose their partners or groups and get to work. I love hearing their conversations and seeing their thinking in action. This builds both responsibility and confidence, while they also know I am there to support them when needed.

In writing, I encourage their creativity to flourish. We begin with a topic, discuss the type of writing we’re focusing on, break down the prompt together, and then they brainstorm freely. The sky is the limit!

My main goal is to build confident individuals—not just academically, but in every aspect of life. I want them to feel safe asking questions and thinking outside the box. Some of the best moments in my classroom come from unexpected conversations, and we lean into those! I believe this creates an environment where students aren’t afraid to write and are often surprised by what they are capable of.

MFF: As a teacher leader and mentor, how have you scaled your instructional strategies to create impact beyond your classroom?

I am a big checklist person. I believe in structure and routine, and I think that consistency helps students succeed both in and out of the classroom.

We use a systematic writing approach with a clear, consistent outline. Because it’s repeated with every piece of writing, students become very comfortable and confident with the process over time.

MFF: Are you working on any interesting initiatives or new projects these days? Is there anything else you want to share about your school?

I am so blessed to work at Mannsdale Upper Elementary and in the Madison County School District. My work family, the students, the joy—it never goes unnoticed how fortunate I am to be here.

I am incredibly thankful to the Milken Family Foundation and everyone involved in this process for selecting me. It is truly an honor and a once-in-a-lifetime privilege!