From volunteering at her child’s school to serving as lunch staff and instructional support, Kim’s journey was anything but traditional. Now a Seattle Teacher Residency graduate, she supports young learners at Rising Star Elementary.
At Rising Star Elementary, you’ll find Kim serving as an academic intervention specialist, focusing on kindergarten and first grade.
Kim’s journey to becoming an educator was anything but traditional. With an undergraduate degree in business management, she spent 13 years working in corporate before making the switch to education. After being laid off, she found herself spending more time at her son’s school, volunteering every day.
What started as a way to stay involved led Kim to a lunch lady position, which she loved. “I loved just serving kids and meeting their needs,” she recalls. That experience eventually led her to a bilingual instructional assistant role, and then, finally, to becoming a teacher.
Kim’s transition into teaching was not without its challenges. “I didn’t think that I could be a teacher because English is not my first language,” Kim explains. “The idea of taking all those tests was intimidating, and I wasn’t sure I could do it.” Despite her doubts, Kim applied to the Seattle Teacher Residency (STR) program and was accepted. “I was praying the whole time,” she laughs. “But I got in, and I’m so glad I did.”
The STR program had a profound impact on Kim’s teaching journey.
“STR really prepped me to work on myself,” she reflects. “They kept asking, ‘Why are you doing this work? What motivates you?’ It made me think deeply about my ‘why,’ and that’s something I carry with me every day.”
Kim’s experience as a bilingual student herself has also shaped her teaching philosophy.
For Kim, representation matters, and she’s proud to be a role model for her multilingual students. “I hear them say, ‘Miss Kim, I want to be a teacher just like you,’ and that means everything to me.”
One of the biggest lessons Kim has learned through the STR program is the importance of flexibility. “Education is not easy and you have to be open-minded,” she says. “Be flexible with change, because nothing stays the same all the time. STR taught me that, and they were flexible with me, too.” This adaptability has been crucial in her work at a Title One school, where the needs of students are diverse and ever-changing.
Kim’s commitment to her students is clear in everything she does.
Through her dedication and resilience, Kim is making a lasting impact at Rising Star Elementary, ensuring that every student feels valued, supported and capable of achieving their goals.
Learn more about the Seattle Teacher Residency and make a gift to support future educators like Kim.