Kellie Kim

Kellie Kim of Rockford is a special education resource teacher for Cherry Valley Elementary’s fifth and second graders, where she’s been 13 of her 15 years as an educator. At eight years old, this future teacher created a neighborhood summer camp with games, crafts, story time, a lunch menu and flyers! After taking a Tae Kwon Do class, she became hooked and wound up teaching it. After a few side steps, Kellie realized she was meant to be a teacher full time. She thought she’d follow her love of fitness as a gym teacher, but she landed a long-term substitute position, then filled a need for a special education teacher. “This was the very best turn … I fell in love with teaching students with special needs.” For students who fear learning, Kellie does everything she can to spark a desire to learn. She attends their programs or activities and sits with them during meals to build connections, which is “huge to their learning.” She is in tune with her students, recognizing that sometimes they may need a hug, time in the Calm Down Corner or a quick walk. “If they are not ready and prepared for learning, I cannot expect learning to happen.” She provides students a voice in their learning and ways to grow independent: setting goals, taking attendance and working as teams. “My students hear me say all the time, “you got this”! then they begin to say to themselves, “I got this”! Classroom observers noticed lots of positive reinforcement. “Even smallest accomplishments were a celebration and a source of pride for the students.” Kellie connects with all colleagues, including food service and custodial staff, secretaries and paraprofessionals, as well as peers, former co-workers and parents because, “without the support of others, I would not have developed into the teacher I am today.” Her love of teaching does not diminish her love for fitness. She’s also the Cherry Valley Elementary athletic director, dealing with schedules, coaches and parents, while helping students develop healthy minds and bodies. Principal Carolyn Timm remarked that she has even helped figure out carpools. She added that Kellie touches “children’s lives as a teacher, mentor and role model.”