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My name is Kim
Whitfield and I am the Instructional Facilitator at
Northwood Hills. This position allows me to interact with
teachers, students, parents and administrators at
Northwood Hills everyday. Before taking this position, I
was a classroom teacher and taught first, second, and
third grades.
When I was young,
my family was transferred many times so I got what I call
a coast to coast education. I was in elementary school in
Charlotte, North Carolina and even spent the last three
months of my sixth grade year and junior high in
Richardson. We were then transferred to California and I
went to Corona del Mar High School in Newport Beach.
Almost made it to graduation there but once again my
father was asked to accept a new position and this time it
was on the other coast transferring our family to New
Jersey. At first it was quite a shock leaving Newport and
going to a quaint little town of 7,000 in Chatham
Township, New Jersey. It didn't take long; however, to
appreciate the charm of this tiny community and to enjoy
the benefits of being only a short train ride into New
York City. I graduated from Chatham Township High School
and then returned to Texas for college. I received a
Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Methodist University
in Education and Psychology.
After graduation, I
worked in the computer marketing field. I was with Philips
Information Systems and NBI, Inc. Finally after ten years
of traveling and the grueling pace of the computer
industry, I decided to make a complete change in my life.
I did what my heart had always wanted to do.....TEACH.
There was never any disappointment in my decision and I
have been extremely fortunate to be at Northwood Hills. I
have continued to learn and have become involved in
National Staff Development, speaking at conferences in the
summer, received certifications as an Intel Educator with
Level 4 Proficiency, earned my English as a Second
Language Certification, Tribes Collaboration Leadership
Certification and most recently joined the National Staff
Development Team for AVID Elementary. AVID stands for
Advancement Via Individual Determination and is based out
of San Diego California. It is a college readiness program
and helps students reach their fullest potential. I so
look forward to the implementation of the organizational
and study skills for our students at Northwood Hills.
These skills help prepare our students for the rigor of
Pre-AP courses when they reach junior high. The learning
never ends which in my opinion makes this a most
fulfilling career choice.
My life is enriched
with a wonderful husband, three children, a
daughter-in-law, son-in law and a precious granddaughter
and another one on the way.
I can honestly say
everyday is a new challenge and I am constantly motivated
by the wonderful children, parents and staff at NHE!
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