Kimberly Kolmetz- Teacher of the Year

Kimberly Kolmetz is the 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year for Bonaire Middle School. She was born in Alaska and made her way to Houston County when she was in the third grade. Both of her parents served in the military. While in grade school, Kolmetz attended Russell Elementary, Warner Robins Middle, and graduated from Warner Robins High School. Later on after high school graduation, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Macon State College and continued on to earn her masters and specialists degrees. Bonaire Middle School was her first teaching job and has been the only school at which she has taught. This is Kolmetz’s seventh year teaching.

Why teaching/What brought you into this field?

“Teaching has been something that I’ve always wanted to do. My grandma was a teacher; my mom became one after she retired from the Air Force. While in school, I really liked all of my teachers and they made a difference in students lives, so I wanted to be a part of that impact.”

Any inspiration from past teachers?

“The most inspiration came from teachers I worked with while going through student teaching. There was that constant reassurance of yes, you made the right choice. One of my mentors is the lady I work with side by side now. She taught me and now we are on the same level. She brings her old school style and I mix it with what I was taught through college. She continues to inspire me, Sandy Cauley.”

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

“The fact that each day is never the same. Most importantly for me, it’s watching my students grow and progress from day to day.”

What is the most challenging part of teaching?

“All the outside factors such as new standards, policies etc., and having to incorporate them into the classroom. Sometimes I feel teaching is last thing I do. Honestly, it is the less desirable part about teaching, but we adapt and move forward.”

Advice to students

“You at least have to try. If you don’t try, how will you know if you’re going to do good or bad? Don’t start off thinking negative, just take a moment and try. My main thing I tell my students is to be better on the last day of school then you were on first. Not everyone is on the same level and that’s ok, but we are here to work together and progress.”

Advice to parents

“You have to be involved with your kids. You have to know what’s happening and be an active participant. As much as we do and spend time with your children, we can’t do it by ourselves.”