WILDCAT of THE WEEK
\r\nKim Collins
\r\nSecond grade teacher, Rose L. MacDonald School
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What is your educational background?
\r\nI originally attended school at Anna Maria College to be a Music Therapist, but switched over to education after transferring to Bridgewater State University. I got my undergrad in Early Childhood Ed, and years later, received my MEd in Reading from Salem State.
\r\nWhat made you choose teaching as a career?
\r\nIt was really a culmination of different reasons. I liked working with children and anyone that knows me, knows that I tend to be a talker. I had given music lessons in high school and did some summer camp work after college and enjoyed the interaction with young kids. After taking a break from school, I was a retail store manager and decided that teaching seemed a better fit for me. I love learning and wanted to encourage others to love learning, too.
\r\nCan you describe a favorite teaching moment?
\r\nThere's been quite a few favorites. In general, it happens when I see a student's "lightbulb" go on. When someone finally gets something they have been struggling with, you usually see it in their face. I also love when my students teach me something. It happens more times than I can count.
\r\nWhat do you do for fun?
\r\nI love spending time with my kids, Abby & AJ, and I love playing with my two dogs, Peyton and Paisley. If I had more time, I would love to curl up on the couch and read more books for enjoyment... in a quiet house... I can dream.
\r\nWhat are your favorite foods?
\r\nFavorite food is a tough one, probably a tie between lobster and an Asack's turkey pocket with extra mayo and extra cranberry sauce! It's a weakness.
\r\nWhat kind of music do you enjoy?
\r\nI'll listen to just about anything... except bluegrass.
\r\nWhat movies do you like?
\r\nI'm a sucker for romantic comedies—anything that will make me laugh and not cry.
\r\nWhat books do you enjoy?
\r\nMy favorites are romance novels (anything by Elin Hilderbrand), and of course, children's books, since I could probably start my own children's library with my collection. It's an addiction.
\r\nWhat Is your favorite way to spend a weekend?
\r\nMy favorite time spent on the weekend is just being with the people I love. I love a good family game night—also, trying to get caught up on things I haven't had time to do during the week, so I can feel productive. If it's a nice weekend, I like taking a drive in my fun car.
\r\nWhat do you love about teaching in West Bridgewater?
\r\nI love that I work with fun people! I love using the technology we have! I think it makes teaching and learning exciting. I love that I have the freedom to use flexible seating in my classroom.
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A fun fact about you?
\r\nI've broken three ankles but I only own two! In 2007, I broke my right ankle walking down the stairs, and a few weeks after that cast came off, I broke the left one as I was picking up sidewalk chalk in the yard. Then, in 2015, I broke the right one again while doing an obstacle race. Come think of it, that "fun fact" wasn't much "fun", but it's a fact! :)