Educators are perhaps the greatest population of unsung heroes in Berrien and Cass County. This school year, Leader Publications will publish a weekly spotlight featuring teachers throughout the district, giving the community a chance to get to know the hard-working individuals shaping their children’s lives. Throughout the next school year, their answers will be published in the newspaper that serves each school district.

Name: Kelly A. Cromer

School: Dowagiac Middle School

Grade(s)/subject(s) taught: Seventh grade English, currently. [I have taught] seventh, eighth, ninth, 12th grades in years’ past.

Where did you attend college? Southwestern Michigan College and Indiana University

How many years have you been teaching? How many years have you been with your current school? 19 years, 18 years in Dowagiac and one year in Niles at Ring Lardner.

Why did you decide to become a teacher? To help kids learn to love reading and feel confident as learners.

Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing for fun? Spending time with family and friends, reading, traveling, camping and going on adventures.

What is one thing your students may not know about you? I have climbed a pyramid in the Mayan Ruins of Chichen ltza, Mexico.

When you were a student in the grade you teach, what were your favorite hobbies? Roller skating at Ramona [Roller Rink] with friends and spending time with friends and family, especially at my grandparents’.

How would your co-workers describe your teaching style and personality? Flexible and willing to try new methods to help my students.

Who is your biggest role model and why? My parents. They supported all of my hopes and dreams with unconditional love and understanding.

What is your best advice to parents to help their child continue growing academically? Read with your kids every day! Show them how important reading is and that you are interested in their learning.

If my students learn one thing this year, I hope it is … to love learning.