Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Clay Central/Everly fifth grade teacher Joan Kimball is a graduate of Everly schools and is in her second year of teaching in the school district.
Editor's note: As we enter a new school year, we will be introducing you to new and returning Clay Central/Everly staff, celebrating their passion for teaching and contribution to the CC/E school district.
Today we meet Mrs. Joan Kimball, a second-year fifth grade teacher.
Mrs. Kimball is in her 23rd year of teaching with 21 of those years being in the Spencer school district.
"I am a perpetual fifth grader," said Kimball. "I always tell my students that some day I will know everything a fifth grader should know and I'll be ready to move on!"
Mrs. Kimball loves the smaller classes and close relationships that working in the Clay Central/Everly school district brings.
"You can really target the needs of your students," she said. "I received my education at Everly, so it feels like coming home."
Seeing the children in person and implementing new curriculum to take her students to the next level are what excites her most about this school year.
"We will be simulating a city environment and they will apply for jobs, elect city officials, learn about necessary banking and taxes, and learn the importance of insurance," Kimball said about things students can look forward to this year. "We will collaborate with the sixth grade class, as they missed out on this due to the COVID-19 shutdown."
Mrs. Kimball didn't skip a beat when asked why she loves teaching.
"Children have always had a special place in my heart. I did lots of babysitting as a teen and loved it. I even worked as a live-in nanny," she said. "Not being the greatest student myself, and told that I didn't have 'much potential,' I want my students to understand that they have wings to fly and the sky's the limit. I also love the fact that every day is a new day. It's never boring!"
