[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
It’s a typical public elementary school located in a small suburban city. The school is nestled in a quiet neighborhood. As I parked next to the dumpsters at the school, I hastily gathered my belongings and headed to meet Kim at the double doors located at the side of the main entrance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Upon walking in, I felt like I had traveled back in time. This school has clearly been around for a while. The halls filled in silence as we navigated through a maze of corridors, finally making our way to the outdoor classrooms. It reminded me of the similar halls I walked in Phoenix, Arizona as a child, where I dreaded being in the classroom. My school years, especially elementary school, were not the greatest and left me with unpleasant memories. When I decided to create a series called “Back to School,” I wanted to share empathetic perspectives from educators, parents, and even students. Looking back, I wish I had understood why I didn’t connect with my teachers or receive emotional support from my parents while I was growing up. I attended elementary school in the early 80s, and I’m grateful that our education system has improved since then. I always thought I would become a school teacher. I know it is a calling for sure. Kim is one of those teachers I wish I had when I was growing up. I am grateful for her dedication to learning, even after being a teacher for 31 years. It’s truly humbling to hear about her continued passion. She is a great example of someone who is truly called to teach.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.thedailyfaithmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/IMG_4346-2-scaled.jpg” title_text=”The Daily Faith Magazine” _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Thank you, Kim, for opening your classroom for me. Let\u2019s start by telling us a little about yourself.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong>My name is Kim, and I grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas until I was about 12 years old and we moved to Eagle Lake, Texas. I graduated from Wharton County Junior College and Texas A&M University where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary studies. I met the love of my life, Joel in 1993. We soon married the following year 1994. We have two daughters who are 27 and 24.\u00a0<\/p>\n Our family loves to go camping! One of my favorite places to camp is in the Davis Mountains State Park. I love spending time with my family and am most comfortable and at peace with them. The older I have gotten, I am becoming more introverted.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Can you tell us a little about how long you have been an educator and what you are currently doing at this moment?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n I am in my 31st year as an educator. I began my career as a 2nd Grade Teacher. After 12 years, I was asked to move to 4th grade, and I stayed there for 10 years. I enjoyed teaching 2nd grade, it was very special to me. After 22 years in the classroom, I decided to try out something new and be an Instructional Coach. My experience in elementary, middle, and high school levels are 8 years. At this point this year I felt to head back into the classroom. I feel if you are not in the classroom in the trenches, so to speak, teachers do not value your opinion as well as they should. Our district has recently developed a position in which you coach teachers and teach our own students called an MCL (Multi-Classroom Teacher). This seemed to be right up my alley, so I applied and was offered a fourth-grade position at another local elementary. Two weeks in and I’m enjoying having students again.\u00a0 [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n What has inspired you to choose this career?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n When I began teaching 31 years ago, I was inspired by some of my favorite teachers.\u00a0 One in particular was my Biology\/Chemistry Teacher, Gerald Streit,\u00a0 at Rice High School in Altair, Texas.\u00a0 He made learning fun, but most importantly, he cared about us.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Going back to teaching after 8 years of being out of the classroom, I\u2019m inspired in a different way.\u00a0 My walk with Christ is more profound than it was all those years ago, and I am determined to show my students the love of Jesus.\u00a0 It is at the forefront of all I do.\u00a0 When you begin to look at each student as a child of God with a specific purpose, it changes your perspective dramatically.<\/span><\/p>\n What do you love most about coaching and helping other teachers?<\/span><\/p>\n I love being able to help a teacher notice the areas of improvement needed on their own.\u00a0 They have to understand the need for change to see a difference.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n What is your opinion about having a coaching team in their schools?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I think it is a brilliant idea, but teachers have to be willing to change!\u00a0 There has to be a created environment of vulnerability.\u00a0 A coach should be able to come into your classroom and jump into your lesson if they feel the need to.\u00a0 The idea is that NO teacher knows it all.\u00a0 We ALL have room for improvement!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.thedailyfaithmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/IMG_4342-scaled.jpg” title_text=”The Daily Faith Magazine” _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Can you share any highs and lows of being an educator?<\/span><\/p>\n Highs<\/span><\/p>\n Lows<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you had the power to change one thing in the school system, what would it be and why?<\/span><\/p>\n This is easy\u2026.TAKE AWAY THE STAAR TEST or take away some of the other testing we do such as the MAP test and Short Cycle Assessments. STAAR is a black cloud that hovers over every move we make in the classroom.\u00a0 Unless students come to you on grade level or very close to it, it is a VERY difficult task to get them to pass the test.\u00a0 Luckily, there is a growth component in the STAAR so even if a student does not pass but gets growth from the year before, the school gets points.\u00a0 Honestly, I feel that students are tested too much!\u00a0 We give up weeks of instruction to testing.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.thedailyfaithmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/IMG_4327-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_4327″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Going into this 31st year as a teacher, what are some preparations or traditions you prepare for each school year?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n As a fellow parent, what advice would you offer to someone whose child is dealing with learning difficulties or social anxiety? How can they create a supportive environment at home and help their child thrive in the classroom each year?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I would tell them that there are resources available for their child.\u00a0 Many different types of Special Education Services are available such as resource, inclusion, speech therapy, dyslexia, and behavioral.\u00a0 Most campuses employ counselors who are more than happy to meet with your child to help them through anxiety, friend issues, home problems, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n Parents MUST be involved in their child\u2019s learning.\u00a0 Contrary to popular belief, teachers cannot do it all!\u00a0 It must be a triangle of support: the teacher, the parent, and the student<\/span><\/p>\n Do you believe God has called you to be a teacher and mentor\/coach? And if so, how did you have faith to go for it?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n I do believe I\u2019ve been called to be an educator.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know that I felt that way 31 years ago when I began, but I do feel that way now that I\u2019ve gone back into the classroom.\u00a0 My mission\/goal is to educate students while showing them the love of Christ.\u00a0 My actions should emulate Jesus.\u00a0<\/em> This has helped me understand my students better.\u00a0 Every single one of those students has been created by God with a special purpose on this Earth.\u00a0 When you see your students through that lens, it dramatically changes how you view them.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.thedailyfaithmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Daily-faith-15.jpg” title_text=”canna image\/dailyfaithmag” _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Romans 8:18<\/span><\/p>\n We ARE NOT here for our comfort.\u00a0 Doing the Lord\u2019s work is not always easy, but in the end, it will be glorious when Jesus says, \u201cWell done, good and faithful servant.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.thedailyfaithmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/11-1.jpg” title_text=”canva image\/dailyfaithmag” _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Galatians 5:22-23<\/span><\/p>\n Each of these words is written on separate fence posts in my backyard.\u00a0 Each morning, as I sit on my back patio, I pray to God to give me these qualities.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Last, what are your favorite spiritual Daily rhythms and Bible verses, and why?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019m up every morning at 5 am to drink a cup of coffee while doing the Bible App\u2019s Daily Bible Study.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been 149 days consistent with this endeavor.\u00a0 Even though, I was raised a Christian and have identified as Christian my whole life, it\u2019s recently that I\u2019ve started actually \u201cliving that life\u201d.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t long ago that I would have complained about not understanding the Bible and not understanding how I could learn anything from it.\u00a0 Around that time, my husband and I had gotten into a rut of going to church, but only to serve in the nursery.\u00a0 We weren\u2019t \u201cgoing to church\u201d.\u00a0 I can\u2019t remember what happened, but something came over me and I realized I needed to BE in church and listen to the message!\u00a0 Wow, what a change that has made in my life.\u00a0<\/em> The messages have been life-altering and it\u2019s like they are written just for me.\u00a0 I have to admit, as much as I hate to show emotions in front of people and have always been the type to show a strong front and not show emotion, I have been moved to tears several Sundays lately. \u00a0One of my daughters and her husband gave me a Bible for my birthday and I bought a Bible bag with a nice pen and highlighters that I use every day to take notes and highlight verses.\u00a0 It has changed my life!<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.thedailyfaithmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/IMG_4352-scaled.jpg” title_text=”The Daily Faith Magazine” _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Last impression from my heart to yours, Kim.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/em><\/p>\n Each student has been created with a purpose from God, too. HE didn’t make a mistake. ( No matter how poorly behaved they are) Do your research, talk with colleagues, and the school counselor, and try different methods to try to find their interests and discover “what makes them tick.” It’s not easy and will be exhausting, but it WILL be worth it when you have a positive breakthrough. Many times, especially with low socioeconomic students, teachers are the only positive people in a student’s life. They are counting on us. No pressure, right?<\/em><\/p>\n \n Always remember your purpose in that classroom. It’s much bigger than an education. Think of it more like your own little mission field. The compassion and empathy you show students will make more of an impact than any academics ever will. Plus, compassion and empathy help build relationships which is the only way you will ever win their hearts and get them to listen to you and learn.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_all=”2px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” border_color_all=”#9e9e9e” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_social_media_follow _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#3b5998″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]facebook[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”pinterest” url=”https:\/\/pin.it\/5o5UFnprN” _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#cb2027″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]pinterest[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”instagram” url=”https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thedailyfaithmag?igsh=dGdqb245MWlyc3pu” _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ea2c59″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]instagram[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][\/et_pb_social_media_follow][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Copyrights \u00a9The Daily Faith Magazine LLC<\/p>\n Contact Info mail@thedailyfaithmag.com<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It’s a typical public elementary school located in a small suburban city. The school is nestled in a quiet neighborhood. As I parked next to the dumpsters at the school, I hastily gathered my belongings and headed to meet Kim at the double doors located at the side of the main entrance.\u00a0 Upon walking in, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":29843,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"1080","footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-29612","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-series-collection"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thedailyfaithmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29612","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thedailyfaithmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thedailyfaithmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thedailyfaithmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thedailyfaithmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=29612"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.thedailyfaithmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29612\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29901,"href":"https:\/\/www.thedailyfaithmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29612\/revisions\/29901"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thedailyfaithmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/29843"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thedailyfaithmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=29612"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thedailyfaithmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=29612"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thedailyfaithmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=29612"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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What are the most important aspects of being a teacher?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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