Third grade teacher Kim Radar didn’t follow a conventional path into education, but she believes her life experience has shaped her into a stronger teacher.
Radar found her inspiration in a close friend and mentor, Mrs. Toomey.
“She just had this light about her,” Radar said. “She inspired me to be the light for children and inspires me to be the best version of myself for my students.”
That same light now shines in Radar’s classroom, where she is known for her warmth, dedication and the joy she finds in her students’ success.
One standout memory from Radar came in February 2024, when she taught a class of 28 kindergarteners.
“I loved seeing how much they learned,” she said. “Some days felt long and hard, but they paid off. My students were reading and well prepared for first grade.”
Radar’s drive comes from the energy and excitement her students bring each day.
“I love to see how excited they are to come to school and do their best,” Radar said. “They're hungry to learn and willing to try new things even if they're hard.”
Radar especially treasures the moments she’s created in her classroom.
“I love how honest students are,” she said. “I love that my students feel safe and know that it's okay to make mistakes. You know that a-ha moment, when a kid finally gets something or comes up with a brilliant idea of their own? It’s priceless.”
To those considering a path in education, Radar offers a heartfelt reminder.
“Know that everything you do matters,” she said. “One of my favorite quotes is from Jane Goodall: ‘What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.’”
