Kim Whitchurch

"Each student is unique and I enjoy finding the most effective ways to reach out and connect with my students."- Kim Whitchurch











State: Indiana

Testimonial from a participant

Kim loves to teach. Her enthusiasm is contagious. I have enjoyed taking several classes from her. She is currently teaching and using the material she presents. I highly recommend Kim as an instructor.

— G.H., Lafayette, IN

PLS courses I teach:

• Learning to Read: Beginning Reading Instruction™
• Meaningful Activities to Generate Interesting Classrooms®
• Purposeful Learning Through Multiple Intelligences®
• Reading to Learn: Comprehension Instruction™

Years with PLS:

Since 1997

Why I love teaching PLS courses:

PLS classes are so practical. I use the material from these courses in my own classroom on a daily basis. As a classroom teacher I appreciate the opportunity to interact with other educators. Teachers are the most creative and resourceful people I know.

Education:

• B.A., Music Ed., N. Illinois University
• M.A., Education, Indiana Wesleyan University

Teaching experience:

• K-8 General and Choral Music — 18 years
• 1st grade teacher — 10 years

Related experience, recognition, awards, etc.:

• Taught for 3 years in an Intl. School in Zambia, Africa
• Golden Apple Winner 2001
• Part of the Literacy for Life Initiative
• Member of Delta Kappa Gamma

What I love most about teaching:

I love watching students learn new things. Each student is unique and I enjoy finding the most effective ways to reach out and connect with my students.

My favorite moment in teaching:

Sometimes we need to take a chance on a student. When I was teaching elementary music, I had a very talented boy in my music class. He was quite a behavior problem in his other classes but he loved music and was very engaged in learning during our class time. He did not have a lot of support at home so other teachers discouraged me from giving him a solo in our music program.

On the night of the program he did not have a ride to school. He called his brother's probation officer and she gave him a ride to the concert. He played beautifully that evening. It was a chance for him to shine. I'll never forget that night.

Personal information:

Reading, music, and grant writing are some of my favorite activities. I also voluteer as a Zoo Docent.