Word has been received of the death of Baker Elementary first grade reading teacher Katrina (Pyne) Brown in a traffic crash Saturday.

Brown had taught at Wayland since 1996. She earned her bachelor of science degree from Western Michigan University in 1995 and her master of arts degree in reading from the same school.

“I love being a first grade teacher at Baker and feel honored and privileged to work with students, families and staff,” she said in her profile published on the Wayland Union Schools web site. I am deeply committed to helping all students develop the skills and habits of strong and engaged readers, writers, and thinkers. 

“I am a statewide facilitator in reading and writing workshop and am always trying to grow as a teacher and learner.  I love spending time with my children, Brennan and Gibson, and my husband, Darrick.”

Brown has two boys in their late teens. She was last year’s (2021) Kathryn Brenner Teacher of the Year award winner.

Arrangements are being handled by the Langeland Family Funeral Service, 622 Burdick St., Kalamazoo.