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: Kim Deering

School: Dowagiac Middle School

Grade(s)/subject(s) taught: Sixth grade English and reading

Where did you attend college? Western Michigan University

How many years have you been teaching? How many years have you been with your current school? 17, 12

Why did you decide to become a teacher?  I wanted to have a positive impact on the youth. I love to be creative and design engaging lessons.

Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing for fun? I enjoy traveling, reading, watching my kids do what they love and taking walks.

What is one thing your students may not know about you? I love going to concerts.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? It changes based on what I’m reading. Most recently, Joana from “Salt to the Sea.” The perseverance she showed was admirable.

When you were a student in the grade you teach, what were your favorite hobbies? Dance and riding my bike.

Who is your biggest role model and why? Donalyn Miller inspires my teaching. I respect her philosophy on reading and education.

What is your best advice to parents to help their child continue to grow academically? Read, read with your child, encourage them to read and talk to them about why doing your best in school is important.

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