Kyle Kingery

I like to think my time in the world as a working class burnout has given me a "salt of the earth" perspective that I can share with my future colleagues and students. I deeply appreciate the utility of education to make good citizens and view that as the highest goal of education, but can also empathize with those who need education as a tool for personal, economic success. My hope is that my experience will help me relate to both ends of that spectrum and raise the bar for all of my students.

I hope to mix essentialism and existentialism in my practice as an educator. I think there is solid base of knowledge that people need to know to function well in society and that getting to that point allows them to consider things like freedom and purpose and to explore their own existence. I also think there's a solid base of knowledge, or thought, to approach things like freedom and purpose. We have indeed been discussing these things for thousands of years as a species and there's no need to start from scratch every time someone wants to think more deeply about themselves and be active in their own development. I believe it is important for educators to not be completely lost when it comes to these things that aren't explicitly in the curriculum as easily measurable lesson goals.

I'm excited to hear some opinions on the rambling that took place above. Leave your comments below!

Kyle, I found it very interesting to learn about what got you to this point in time. I definitely agree that being in the workforce and experiencing so much before completing a degree has significant benefits! I also am returning to school after being unsure of what to do with my life/career. I think the pause helps solidify what you really want to go after and spend your time on. It sounds like you have a passion to teach! Best of luck - Ashlie Walker

Kyle, Its so cool you've been in bands!  I am curious to know what you play.  I think its really cool to take the time to figure out what you're truly passionate about and how you can make a career out of it.  I enjoy the use of freedom and purpose in the kind of teacher/teaching style you'll  become.  Excited to see more from you! -Lara Cooperman

Kyle, I think its awesome you took the time to experience life and grow along the way to getting to this point! I think not going straight into a career can be beneficial and help give you new and unique perspectives on things! I'm happy you've found something you're passionate about, and I think you will have a lot to offer your students! Also, I'd be really interested in what genre of music your bands played! -Brennan Davis

Kyle, I love that you're so transparent about your journey, and I'm glad to see after a few years you've decided to become an "old English teacher". I think exploring the world of art whether it's music, dance, or panting keeps us youthful and vibrant (dancing has always been a passion of mine). I do hope you continue creating music! I wish you well on your academic journey! - Jalon King

Kyle, I'm a bookworm too. I just get lost in books sometimes. I empathize with your struggles becoming the teacher that you want to be. There are some days that I just have to roll with the punches too. Mostly I like to plan ahead, and have a great idea of my game plan long before I have to do something.  I like how you added mini images to theme each of your sections. I enjoyed your page, best wishes. Sincerely, Jeffrey Marcus