West Bridgewater Public Schools

WILDCAT of THE WEEK

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Kim Collins

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Second grade teacher, Rose L. MacDonald School

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What is your educational background?

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I originally attended school at Anna Maria College to be a Music Therapist, but switched over to education after transferring to Bridgewater State University. I got my undergrad in Early Childhood Ed, and years later, received my MEd in Reading from Salem State.

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What made you choose teaching as a career?

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It was really a culmination of different reasons. I liked working with children and anyone that knows me, knows that I tend to be a talker. I had given music lessons in high school and did some summer camp work after college and enjoyed the interaction with young kids. After taking a break from school, I was a retail store manager and decided that teaching seemed a better fit for me. I love learning and wanted to encourage others to love learning, too.

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Can you describe a favorite teaching moment?

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There's been quite a few favorites. In general, it happens when I see a student's "lightbulb" go on. When someone finally gets something they have been struggling with, you usually see it in their face. I also love when my students teach me something. It happens more times than I can count.

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What do you do for fun?

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I love spending time with my kids, Abby & AJ, and I love playing with my two dogs, Peyton and Paisley. If I had more time, I would love to curl up on the couch and read more books for enjoyment... in a quiet house... I can dream.

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What are your favorite foods?

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Favorite food is a tough one, probably a tie between lobster and an Asack's turkey pocket with extra mayo and extra cranberry sauce! It's a weakness.

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What kind of music do you enjoy?

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I'll listen to just about anything... except bluegrass.

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What movies do you like?

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I'm a sucker for romantic comedies—anything that will make me laugh and not cry.

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What books do you enjoy?

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My favorites are romance novels (anything by Elin Hilderbrand), and of course, children's books, since I could probably start my own children's library with my collection. It's an addiction.

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What Is your favorite way to spend a weekend?

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My favorite time spent on the weekend is just being with the people I love. I love a good family game night—also, trying to get caught up on things I haven't had time to do during the week, so I can feel productive. If it's a nice weekend, I like taking a drive in my fun car.

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What do you love about teaching in West Bridgewater?

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I love that I work with fun people! I love using the technology we have! I think it makes teaching and learning exciting. I love that I have the freedom to use flexible seating in my classroom.

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A fun fact about you?

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I've broken three ankles but I only own two! In 2007, I broke my right ankle walking down the stairs, and a few weeks after that cast came off, I broke the left one as I was picking up sidewalk chalk in the yard. Then, in 2015, I broke the right one again while doing an obstacle race. Come think of it, that "fun fact" wasn't much "fun", but it's a fact! :)