LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Kimberly Whitehead

Position: STEM Teacher
School: Howard B. Stroud Elementary School
School District: Clarke County School District
City, State: Athens, GA

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Music that Describes Kimberly

Kimberly Whitehead was nominated by her colleague, Cheryl Mattox.

Ms. Whitehead is an innovative, creative educator, a role model, and a leader for her school. She has led and directed several projects at her school, including:

Stroud STEM Night - an event that allows for students and parents to observe and participate in science exhibits and games. Many of these activities are happening in her class.

Stroud Day of Service - a day where the students are able to learn about community helpers and show their appreciation by performing service projects in the community.

Stroud Green Day - a project where students, staff, and volunteers beautified the school with trees and gardens. Ms. Whitehead chose the Rosalyn Carter Butterfly Trail as the theme for this project. Her efforts have created a positive school atmosphere by nurturing the school community while benefiting the lives of students and teachers.

Ms. Whitehead has served as team leader for the second grade, as well as for her specials team. She leads by example as a role model while projecting the highest moral and ethical standards. In addition, she write grants and solicits sponsors within the community for all of the aforementioned projects.

Finally, Ms. Whitehead goes beyond the call of duty to instruct the staff on how to utilize any acquired knowledge that will promote students' learning. She ensures teachers are exposed to any knowledge she acquires, and she constantly collaborates with teachers in an effort to share knowledge in the areas of science and technology.

"Kim is constantly changing lives here at Howard B. Stroud Elementary School," said Mattox. "She is a LifeChanger!"

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Comments (5)

Hallie Williamson Posted over a year ago

Ms. Whitehead makes a positive impact on the students at Stroud Elementary! Whitehead brings a zest for teaching and learning to our Stroud community. One of Whitehead’s most notable traits is the relentless way she strives to bring real world opportunities to our Title I population. One example, Stroud Day of Service, a school-wide day initiated by Whitehead, is a day the entire school spends on special projects appropriate to each grade level that gives students an understanding of our community and the way that can give back to the community. She organizes community partnerships to come to the school to work with students on recycling, protecting a local stream, providing supplies for shelters, and appreciating our community helpers. Throughout the year in the STEM class, she finds opportunities for our students to engage in real world problem solving from restoring a stream that runs on our property, to engaging students in Science Olympiad, to organizing a hands-on STEM night. She is one who is commitment to building a nurturing environment that supports learning.

Kerry Cavanaugh Posted over a year ago

Kimberly Whitehead is the type of teacher, the type of person, we all strive to become. A person who always puts others before herself. She reminds us to always look for the good in others. She puts her students first and is constantly finding new was to engage them in learning. Her positive attitude is an inspiration to all who work with her. It has been my great pleasure to work with such a wonderful teacher.

Troy Authement Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Whitehead is a true rock star teacher. Just walk into her room and you feel inspired. It's not just her room though. It's not the robots, the solar cookers, and the wide assortment of gadgets that wows you. What I appreciate most about her is that she is always working to make real connections with students, spark their curiosity, and help them see their potential as learners. Way to go Mrs. Whitehead!

Joy Smith Posted over a year ago

I am fortunate enough to work on the same team with Ms. Whitehead, who regularly facilitates cross-curricular lessons across our team. This not only provides engaging and enriching experience for our students, but it makes us all look good! You rock Whitehead!!!

Carla Bowman Posted over a year ago

I have had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Whitehead for the last 5 years on various projects. Most of what I'm writing to tell you about isn't about the academic side of Mrs. Whitehead (although, I have seen her teach and reach every student where they were at). I want to brag on her ability to see the needs of her students AND their families and meet them right where they are. I have helped Mrs. Whitehead organize Christmas for numerous children each school year, Kids that would not have basic groceries over Christmas break or gifts on Christmas morning. I've talked to her while she was on her way baseball and football games. Not games for her children but for students. She wanted to be there and wanted them to see her cheering them on. Mrs. Whitehead has left work in the afternoon and gotten basic necessities such as shoes or clean clothes for students in need. When I've been at the school for the "day of service" I have gotten to see kids that light up when they see Mrs. Whitehead. They know that they are in a safe place and that they are cared for when she's around. I'm blessed and thankful to know Mrs. Whitehead. I hope that my son will have a teacher just like her one day!