Dec 2021-Jan 2022_Advisor

CELEBRATING

DECEMBER 2021 - JANUARY 2022 CEA ADVISOR 5

2022 CONNECTICUT TEACHER OF THE YEAR KIM KING: ‘I HAVE SO MUCH RESPECT FOR MY PROFESSION’ Mansfield art teacher recognized for excellence in education are central to a well-rounded

In a surprise visit to Southeast Elementary School in Mansfield earlier this fall, state and local officials, education leaders, and colleagues joined students in celebrating the announcement that art teacher Kim King is Connecticut’s 2022 Teacher of the Year. In the audience were third- and fourth-graders from two Mansfield schools—Southeast and Vinton Elementary—where King teaches more than 350 students in total. They celebrated her with songs and spoken messages of how she has inspired them, including being inspired to “try my best,” “work hard, be kind, and support others,” and “use all the colors.” “Creativity is in so much of the work educators do already, and it can be found across grade levels and subject areas,” King shared, describing the transformative power of creativity to increase engagement, access, and agency for all students, inclusive of ability, identity, and experience. The creative arts, she explained, validate and embrace other ways of thinking, making space for students’ voices and points of view.

you think on your feet.” Referencing hot-button eduucation issues that have divided many towns, he said, “I see all the debates going on, and I just want to say one thing: Let our teachers teach! They know our kids so well.” Throughout King’s career, themes of equity, empathy, and respect have been at the heart of her teaching philosophy, and her students at the center of it all. In her art room at Southeast School hangs a sign that reads, “You Matter.” Pointing to the sign, one of her students explained that art was his favorite class because, in his words, “I matter here.” King says that sentiment is behind her choice to make teaching her life’s work. In 2020, she received a grant to study the art and culture of South Korea in order to help students deepen their understanding of other cultural perspectives as well as our common humanity. This past summer, she partnered with Make Us Visible CT, a coalition of students, parents, educators, legislators, and community members advocating for thoughtful, comprehensive inclusion of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) studies into K-12 curriculum. King will be helping write AAPI curriculum for Connecticut that reflects the histories and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders nationally and globally. As an educator of Korean descent and the parent of an adopted daughter and a biracial, transgender son, she stresses that “students need to see accurate representations of themselves in art, science, literature, and media so that they can imagine a future where they can be active contributors.” A member of her district’s 21st Century Learning Committee, Leadership Team, Curriculum Committee, Equity Committee, and Social-Emotional Learning Committee, she also strives to create safe learning spaces for her students and ensure equity in the greater community. When asked what she has learned from the pandemic and what lessons she will carry forward, King says, “Teachers reinvented systems and approached their teaching in different ways, and we want to continue that momentum. The pandemic magnified the fact that every student has different needs and that we need to create safe spaces where students can safely engage in critical thinking and cooperation. That starts with knowing our students. Teaching through the pandemic reinforced a lot of the beliefs I held and that I’m really leaning into now: meeting students where they are and taking more of a student-centered approach to teaching.” Teaching is calling Prior to her time in Mansfield, King worked at Riverside Magnet School in East Hartford and at Westbrook High School, where she taught drawing, painting, mixed media, ceramics, and photography.

education. As an art teacher, Kim inspires creativity and enriches the lives of her students, providing opportunities for them to express themselves artistically. A role model to her students, she is committed to her own growth and learning, ensuring that her leadership and teaching practices continue to evolve. Equity, empathy, and respect are at the heart of her teaching, and we are proud to see Kim recognized for the invaluable work she does and for the talent, passion, and dedication she brings to the teaching profession.” Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker applauded teachers’ strength and commitment during the pandemic, which she said, “has highlighted something in Connecticut that we already know: Our educators are dedicated and innovative, and they will rise to any challenge. As we return to normalcy in our daily and professional lives, we must all continue to be here for our educators every step of the way, because their well-being really matters. Why? Because they continue to be there every day for all

Trained as a fine art photographer, she began her career in professional photography in New York City before switching gears and working as an editorial assistant for This Old House magazine. But teaching is where she has found her greatest creative outlet and deepest rewards. “Working in this profession is the best,” she says. “I was in a colleague’s classroom recently, observing her morning meeting. I’m constantly learning from my colleagues; it’s so exciting. Everyone I work with is an expert at what they do, and I use that to improve my own practice. Teachers should all be held in high esteem. I’m amazed at how many of us are constantly reflecting, improving, and seeking new learning. When I was asked by the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council, ‘What is your why?’ the answer is, of course, my students. We spend our lifetimes answering the ‘how.’ How do I get through to this student? How do I teach this better? These are the questions teachers ask, because we’re lifelong learners.” King also appreciates the support that union membership provides. “I’m a proud member of my union. I feel supported, and that’s important. Our union in Mansfield is really active, and we came together for a safe school opening this year. I like the idea of teachers supporting teachers.” King is eager for the day when it’s safe to once again “push tables together and share materials as we collaborate on art.” Upcoming projects in her classroom will include ceramics, printmaking, and “other fun media,” she says. As for her new role as Connecticut’s 2022 Teacher of the Year, King says, “I look forward to representing Connecticut’s phenomenal teachers. Together, we can make Connecticut more colorful.” solving that helped us teach and reach students through a pandemic.” _ Kim King “Art individualizes student learning and growth and builds confidence from within. It is this creative thinking and problem-

Creativity is baked into so much of the work that educators do, says Mansfield art teacher and 2022 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Kim King.

“Art individualizes student learning and growth, and it builds confidence from within. It is this creative thinking and problem- solving that helped us teach and reach students through a pandemic.” When reporters asked how it feels to be a celebrity, King answered, “All teachers are celebrities. They’ve all had to reinvent ways of reaching and teaching their students, and it’s an honor to represent Connecticut’s amazing teachers. I have so much respect for my profession.” An exemplar Administrators, colleagues, and others came together to applaud King’s penchant for listening to her students, encouraging young artists to take risks, and making sure they and their families feel seen, valued, and represented in works of art. “Kim exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to her students, her colleagues, and her community,” said CEA President Kate Dias. “The arts

of our students. So, to all of Connecticut’s educators, thank you for the noble work that you do. The teacher we have come to honor today demonstrates the persistence, patience, and resilience, courage, determination, strength, and endurance that I spoke of before.” The heart of education “The kids here are so lucky to have all of your teachers who care so much about you and love you,” said Governor Ned Lamont said, adding, “This has been a complicated year.” Recognizing that the arts are often de-emphasized while priority is “given to STEM, the three Rs, new math, and teaching to the test,” the governor applauded the fact that the next Connecticut Teacher of the Year represents the arts. He added, “There is nothing more important in schools than having a great teacher who believes in you, having a great teacher who inspires you, having a great teacher who loves you, and having a great teacher who makes