Kim Cimney – January 2019 Star Teacher of the Month
Kim Cimney has been teaching English and Journalism at West Florence High School for the past 22 years. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in English Education from Bowling Green State University, a Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Lesley University, holds certification in Gifted & Talented education and AP Literature and is a twice-certified National Board teacher. Kim is West Florence’s Teacher of the Year, co-chair of the English department and a Literacy Design Curriculum lead teacher. She has presented at the SC Teachers of English Conference and is a board member of the SC Scholastic Press Association as well as a member of West Florence’s School Improvement Council.
Kim’s favorite part of teaching is seeing the growth in students throughout the semester or year. Her approach to education is very student-centered where students are discussing, learning, making meaning for themselves and applying the lessons to their lives. Kim works hard to make connections with her students and the content she is teaching. “That goes to building relationships with the students. They know I care about them and their successes. I try to give them value in what we do in class by connecting it to something that they are interested in,” Cimney said.