History teacher Kimberly Kim says ‘everything is for the kids’
Posted: February 28, 2024
During a ceremony amongst family, colleagues, and lawmakers, a Moanalua Middle 7th-grade history teacher was honored as the 2024 Hawaiʻi State Milken Educator of Promise.
Kimberly Kim, a teacher in her third year, accepted the award Wednesday for her exceptional work as a new educator and dedication to her students.
The Teacher of Promise Award is granted annually by the Milken Educators of Hawai‘i — a select group of Hawai‘i educators who have been recognized by the nationally renowned Milken Family Foundation — to a classroom teacher for demonstrating outstanding commitment and potential during their first three years with the Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE).
Kim was awarded a $2,000 cash prize, sponsored by the HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union, during a surprise presentation at a faculty meeting with special guests including Superintendent Keith Hayashi, HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union President and COO Kaleo Kuroda, Hawai‘i Senate Education Committee Chair Michelle Kidani, and previous Milken award recipients.
Kim began her career in the HIDOE as a distance learning teacher and demonstrated her technical proficiency by instructing students in four subject areas over two grade levels. She went above and beyond to tutor students one-on-one during non-work hours to ensure they were successful.
Kim organized a memorable trip for students to visit the state Capitol and learn how the legislative process works, and also served as a mentor teacher for the University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu College of Education, showcasing her commitment to the growth and development of future teachers.
She created a dynamic learning environment in her classroom at Moanalua Middle, and initiated an interdisciplinary unit so students can make connections across the curriculum. She works to establish supportive and collaborative relationships within the school community with a goal of establishing meaningful connections to enhance her students’ learning experiences.
“Everything is for the kids,” Kim told the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association in an interview. “Kids are our future. If I can make a difference in one child or 20 children, I think that’s important for us as educators. That’s why I came in. I care about the kids.”
Superintendent Keith Hayashi said during the ceremony, “It is truly a special person, a committed educator, one who has passion for the job that loves students, that embraces the collegiality of Moanalua Middle, and with a staff, that makes Kimberly Kim truly special, and so deserving of this very exceptional award.”
Established in 2007, the Teacher of Promise Award alternates annually between elementary and secondary teachers with the state winner selected from a group of HIDOE complex area honorees.
From left: Kimberly Kim (second from left) receives a $2,000 cash prize, sponsored by the HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union; Moanalua Middle history teacher Kimberly Kim accepts the 2024 Hawaiʻi State Milken Educator of Promise Award; HSTA Central Chapter UniServ Director Amanda Lacar congratulates Kim on her award.