In our latest Teacher Feature, we spotlight Grace Kim, an early childhood educator from Lea Hill Elementary in the Auburn School District. Now in her fifth year of teaching, Grace has dedicated her career to fostering inclusive environments for preschoolers ages 3-5, building on her initial experience as a self-contained EBD teacher for students with trauma-related behaviors.
A Life Devoted to Advocacy
Grace’s journey into education was inspired by a lifelong commitment to helping people with disabilities, a passion further ignited by her sister’s experiences with inequities in schooling. From a young age, Grace was determined to be a voice for those who felt voiceless, guiding her path toward becoming an educator who could make a real difference.
A Year of Breakthroughs
This year, Grace shared a heartwarming success story of a non-verbal student who, with the help of routine and support, began using a communication device and even started engaging in spontaneous verbal communication. Witnessing this student’s growth in identifying alphabet letters, writing, and enjoying school represents the profound impact of Grace’s teaching and the potential of every child to exceed expectations.
Overcoming Obstacles
Grace faces challenges in her role, particularly the struggle to convey the importance of early intervention and to support families in navigating their child’s special education services. She emphasizes the need for increased awareness and support for families unsure of how to seek help or an initial evaluation.
Innovative Teaching Strategies
Grace utilizes various teaching methods in her classroom to accommodate different learning styles, including the innovative use of a Newline touchscreen board. This technology enhances large group participation and provides crucial writing support, demonstrating Grace’s commitment to integrating new tools and techniques to benefit her students.
Building Community
Engagement with families and the broader community is a cornerstone of Grace’s teaching philosophy. She creates opportunities for families to connect through monthly community activities, fostering a sense of belonging and support among families with children with disabilities.
Vision for the Future
Grace’s experiences have cemented her belief in the power and necessity of inclusive education beyond preschool. She hopes that such environments will become more widespread, ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive and accommodating setting.
Thoughts Processed 