Kim Kearney, Fairport High School
By: Kevin Doran
Updated: April 19, 2011
Our News 8 Golden Apple Award winner this week is a quiet leader who doesn't like to attract attention to herself. Which is exactly why surprising Fairport High School English Teacher Kim Kearney was so much fun!
"She's a complete burst of positive energy 24 hours a day when she's here." High praise from Fairport High school Principal Chris Salinas for English teacher Kim Kearney. "She's one of the few people that always teaches directly with her heart. She gives love to all her kids, to her colleagues, anyone you can think of."
Mr. Salinas says Kim Kearney teaches AP English 12 with joy, passion and love. She is the lead teacher for the English Department and one of the most humble people you'll meet. Which is why Mr. Salinas thought it would be fun to surprise her with a News 8 Golden Apple Award. "She might get a little annoyed today. But I think she'll understand all her good work reaches the lives of so many people. So she's so deserving of this award."
I asked Kim what she likes most about her job? "You're looking at it, right here, right here. My students. They keep me young, they keep me energized."
Kim Kearney is a News 8 Golden Apple Award winner. You can read the letter Mr. Salinas wrote nominating her below.
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Dear Channel 8,
We live currently in an era where questions sometimes surround the nature of the teaching profession. Be it their pay, performance, or the un-seemingly increase in expectations to be all things to all kids; some may argue that the profession is under scrutiny, or beyond that, attack.
Yet when you walk into schools and classrooms, you see the true nature of the job. And when you walk into Kim Kearney's classroom, or when you walk within Kim's presence, you know how valuable teachers truly are.
Kim Kearney is in her 25th year of teaching at Fairport High School. She is an AP English 12 teacher, the lead teacher for the English department, a member of the curriculum council, and member of the Alliance for Invitational Education, for which she served as a presenter at this year's annual conference. She is the embodiment of professional and she teaches with the qualities that make better people of our kids and colleagues, joy, passion, and love.
Being with Kim is a positive boost to anyone. She walks with a smile from ear to ear, lends a helping hand whenever necessary, and gives everyone the belief that they can accomplish great things. She treats each day here at Fairport as a special opportunity to change lives for the better. Her presence uplifts not just her classroom but our school at large.
Despite her many gifts, Kim is a modest and humble person. Her leadership and commitment is borne out of her sincere desire to do good for others. She never wavers and serves as a rock of strength for her colleagues.
I would graciously request that Kim be recognized as the News Channel 8 Golden Apple Teacher of the Month. She is a special person and a very special educator.
Sincerely,
Chris Salinas
Fairport High School Principal
