Read about one of our stellar teachers: Kimberly Pomante. She just completed her first year at Second Home Child Development Center. She has loved her experience so far and it feels like home. She is one of our Lead Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Teachers and has been an amazing addition to our family.
“We are a family here and we make sure that every child has the opportunity to succeed. We couldn’t do that without our teachers and the endless sacrifices they make,” Michelle Nighbert, Director of the Second Home Child Development Center, said. “Having Kimberly on staff has been great for our team at Second Home.”
What inspired you to work in a school setting?
I have dreamed of being a teacher for as long as I can remember. As a child, I loved playing school. I even went back every year to help my third-grade teacher set up and take down her classroom for many years. I attended Central Michigan University and received my bachelor’s degree in education. I then received my master’s degree from Walden University.
What was the deciding factor in choosing to teach at Second Home?
I am a Lead GSRP Pre-K teacher at Second Home. This was my first year at the school, but it definitely feels like home. It took me two years to finally decide to join the SHCDC team. I had met and was fortunate enough to get to know a few of the staff members from professional development. They were my deciding factor to finally make the move. I am so glad I took a chance and am now surrounded by great colleges and families. I wouldn’t have it any other way!
How do you build a family-like atmosphere in your classroom?
Family is very important to a child’s education. This is especially true in early childhood. To create a family-like atmosphere in my classroom I encourage family involvement and do my best to get to know them at the home visit and throughout the year.
What’s your secret ingredient in your classroom? What techniques do you use that students really gravitate toward?
A respectful, fun, engaging and encouraging environment is what I try to create. I want the children to feel comfortable and part of the classroom family. They need to know that their voices are being heard. We spend a great deal of time at the beginning of the year learning and talking about what respect looks like. It is my hope that when children leave my room they believe in themselves, give it their all and have an understanding that mistakes are necessary to grow.
Play is a critical component to Early Childhood. Our lessons/activities are based on learning through play. In pre-k we are learning how to manage our feelings, get along with other people, and follow expectations and so much more! Math, science, language and writing concepts are introduced through games and hands-on experiences.
What’s your favorite part of teaching?
My favorite part of teaching is when a child comes to me so excited and says, “look, Mrs. Kimmie, I can do it!”
How would a student best describe you?
Students might describe me as silly, funny and sometimes mean (they graciously shared that information). We are all well aware that children have no problem telling us how they feel.
What would your colleagues say about you?
My colleagues would (hopefully) say that I am a team player! I really enjoy collaborating and sharing ideas. I find it very interesting to hear how other teachers are doing certain things and what that might look like in their classrooms.
