Michael Kimble

Background

About Michael Kimble

The pursuit of education has taken me around the world. At each stop I grow as a person and pass on those new cultures and communities to the students I serve. Now, Covid has us redefining education in ways many teachers and school districts would have never expected. Engagement is a real challenge now that the classroom for many students involves pajamas, couches and maybe even care for siblings while parents are working. From eikaiwas in rural Tohoku, Japan to digital curriculums as an administrator for Zoom and Canvas I have constantly worked to reassess what engagement looks like and how best to keep students involved in processes that sometimes may be difficult for them to feel connected with. I have nearly a decade's worth of experience teaching English Language Arts at all high school grade levels. For the past 7 years I have also held various roles involved with student academic supports. Most recently in 2019 I transitioned to administration as an assistant dean of students. Using the experience gained in each of these positions means that's I might be pulling on some of the latest engagement strategies, like my google level 1 Educator certificate, by incorporating Pear Decks, Kami note taking, or using kahoot as a exit slip to review the day's content. Maybe it pulls on individualized access to administrative, mental health, substance abuse or special education supports for any student who need them. Academic supports and my time in the dean's office has put me in contact with counselors, community specialists, special education resources, parents and truancy at a much greater rate than I ever had as a traditional classroom teacher. Knowing when these resources will benefit a student and how to apply them has become even more critical once classes went online as often times a community specialist can reach a student in person while their classroom teachers cannot. I look forward to solving the challenges of today and preparing for those of tomorrow. Like many drawn to this profession, I chose teaching because I love our content area and believe I can translate that passion into success for the students in my classroom.