Kimberly Willmert, Cedar Falls High School
Position: High School Biology
Years Teaching: 9
Hobbies: In my free time, I value spending quality time playing outside with my children and making the most of time together as a family in the kitchen. Baking is a huge passion of mine! Musically, I play the piano and perform on the clarinet in my local municipal band. I also enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and hiking.
What do you enjoy most about teaching? The aspect of teaching I enjoy most is getting to know my students, including their interests, passions, and individual learning styles. I put my heart into every lesson I plan and strive to connect the content to as many of their interests as possible. Teaching high school science provides meaningful opportunities to link classroom learning to future careers and post-secondary pathways. Seeing students engaged each day, collaborating with peers, enjoying the process, and reaching those “aha” moments is what makes teaching so rewarding.
What do you find most challenging about teaching? The most challenging part of teaching is balancing the many hats I wear each day. Within a single class period, I may serve as a content expert, counselor, and mentor. I take pride in getting to know every student who walks through my classroom door and recognizing when something seems out of the ordinary. I make time to talk with them about their lives, celebrate their successes, and support them through their struggles. While this can be mentally demanding, it is deeply rewarding.
Best tip for new teachers: The best advice I have for new teachers is to take time to truly get to know your students and to be creative in your lesson planning. Teachers who design activities that give students choice in how they learn content, how they demonstrate their understanding, and how they connect it to their interests tend to create more engaging and meaningful classroom experiences. This approach not only supports student learning but also makes each day more enjoyable for both students and teachers.
Best tip for career teachers: The best advice I have for career teachers is to never be afraid to switch things up or try something new. I am constantly restructuring and creating new lessons for units, and I enjoy finding fresh ways to teach content I have taught for many years. I would also challenge career teachers to stay open to learning from new teachers. The next generation of educators brings innovative ideas that can strengthen instruction if given the opportunity to collaborate.
Favorite piece of advice for students: My favorite advice for students is to get involved. I firmly believe students become most well-rounded when they participate in a variety of activities. Whether musical, athletic, or academic, involvement gives students opportunities to shine outside of their daily classes. These experiences also help students build connections with others and learn how to balance work and life at an early age, setting them up for long-term success beyond high school.
What does being a Gold Star Teacher mean to you? Being a Gold Star Teacher is such an honor. I have known I wanted to be a teacher since second grade, and if you had told that little girl with curly hair and pigtails that she would have her dream job just a few years into teaching and be making an impact on so many students that they would take the time to write such kind things about her, I am not sure she would have believed you. I love what I do each and every day, and this award reminds me that I am doing exactly what I am meant to do.