Her Story
About Kimberly
I have been working in education for more than 15 years, starting in the school system before earning my master's degree in special education. I chose to pursue special education because while I love teaching, I really enjoy working with small groups rather than large groups of children. I have dual certification in general education for kindergarten through 5th grade and special education from kindergarten to 12th grade, which makes me more marketable and able to fill any spot that's needed. My passion is working as a special education interventionist, where I go to general education classes, take children out to teach them reading, math, or social-emotional lessons, and then take them back to their classroom. This year has been challenging because my assignment was changed after just 3 days of working, and now I have a small group of students on the autism spectrum who are nonverbal in kindergarten and first grade, which is not normally what I do since I don't usually work with this population of students. I always love each of my students as the individuals they are, however I'm currently looking for a school where I can continue as a special education interventionist for the rest of my career. The values most important to me in my work are education, being consistent with my students, letting them know they can trust me because you can't teach somebody who doesn't trust you, commitment, and passion for what I do.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kimberly
01What do you attribute your success to?
God-given abilities and direction
A supportive husband
Hard work, Passion and Determination
Parents who value education
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received relates to getting dual certified. I have dual certification in general education for kindergarten through 5th grade and special education certification from kindergarten to 12th grade. I feel like that makes me more marketable, and I could teach a general education class if I wanted to. I feel like I'm better able to fill any spot that's needed, and I think that helps.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would definitely advise young women entering the special education field to get dual certified in special education and general education. On top of that, if they get EL certified (English language learners), then they will be even more marketable because that's 3 positions they could fill.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge I'm facing right now is looking for a school that I can stay in for the rest of my career. It's been difficult because, for example, this year they changed my assignment after 3 days of working. I really want to be a special education interventionist, which is what I've been doing for all these years. This year, I have a small group of students on the autism spectrum that are nonverbal in kindergarten and first grade, and that's not normally what I do. I normally go to general education classes, take children out of the gen ed class, teach them a reading lesson, math lesson, or social-emotional lesson, and then take them back to their classroom. I'm not normally in one class all day.
I have accepted a position at a North Nashville MNPS Elementary School as an Exceptional Education Interventionist. My challenge will be acclimating to my new school community and delivering the best possible support for students with disabilities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Obviously, education is important to me. Being consistent with my students is very important. Letting them trust me, knowing that they can trust me, is crucial because you can't teach somebody who doesn't trust you. I think that commitment is important, and passion for what you do.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · Tennessee
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.