Kimberley Kirby

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I love working with children. When I was growing up, I would play school with all my dolls and stuffed animals. Now after teaching for over 40 years. I know that my true calling was to be a teacher and it has been so rewarding.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable experience is really hard to pinpoint. I have had so many. I think probably the one that I remember was from my 2nd year of teaching. I was teaching Kindergarten and I helped one of my students pull his tooth. The next day he brought me his tooth fairy money. I tried to give it back to him. He said he wanted me to have it because he loved me and wanted me to have it for helping him. More than 40 years later, I still have those coins in my jewelry box.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would put it in the bank to help me after I retire one day. I might even treat my family to a much needed vacation.