Hello! My name is Rylie Werner, and I am incredibly honored to serve as the Literacy Coach at Pi Beta Phi Elementary. This role marks a meaningful new chapter in my career—one that allows me to pour into a school community that already holds a special place in my heart.

My path to education began with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Audiology from the University of Tennessee. While in college, I began substituting, and it was there that I realized how much I loved supporting students—especially English Learners who were developing both language and academic skills. My background in speech and language became a natural foundation for this work.

Soon afterwards, I received my Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Carson-Newman University and started my career at Sevierville Intermediate School as an ESL teacher. In 2023, I joined the team at Pi Beta Phi Elementary and began pursuing an Educational Specialist degree at Lincoln Memorial University.

In early 2024, I became a mother to a beautiful son born unexpectedly at 29 weeks. His NICU journey strengthened my empathy and resilience—qualities I now carry with me into every aspect of my life and work. Balancing motherhood, graduate studies, and teaching refined my ability to prioritize, adapt, and lead with compassion.

Now, in my role as Pi Beta Phi’s first Literacy Coach, I look forward to partnering with teachers to support effective literacy instruction, share meaningful strategies, and create inclusive learning environments for all students—especially our English Learners, who continue to inspire me every day. One of the things I’ve always loved about this school is the heart that lives in every hallway. We show up for each other, we care deeply, and we grow together. I am so proud to be part of that mission.