Kim Small teaches first grade at Noble Crossing Elementary. She earned her teaching degree from Purdue University and her master’s from Indiana Wesleyan University. Small is co-coach of the school’s Spell Bowl team with Peggy Wood and Young Hoosier Book Club with Kristi Boyd.
Why did you become a teacher? I enjoy motivating and inspiring students to learn. It is always a great feeling to witness those “a-ha” moments and listen to the reasoning behind their ideas.
What are your goals for students? Each child is blessed with different abilities and talents; therefore, my goals depend on the individual student. Overall, I want my students to become well-rounded, independent, problem solvers with a desire to become a lifelong learner. I want our students to value their contribution to the classroom and value the contribution of others.
What advice do you give parents? It is important to be active in your child’s learning process. Volunteer in your child’s classroom, participate in activities with them, be their advocate and, most of all, love and nurture them. Overall, I always try to remember: slow down, be OK with mistakes, encourage your child to do their best, support and help as needed but let them do their own work. Eat dinner at the table and discuss your day, give yourself a break and/or a “do over” when those not so great parenting moments occur. Smile at your kids, praise them, praise them, praise them, laugh with them, hug them – they will be seniors before you know it.
What makes Noblesville special? The sense of community through downtown activities, parades, school environment and activities for families. The community works together to develop schools that are able to enhance our kids’ learning. The Noblesville community has a common goal to help students succeed.
What is something others might not know about you? I grew up on a family farm in Boone County and showed hogs in 4-H.
