Patrick Henry High’s Morris named District 78 Teacher of the Year

Patrick Henry High School computer science tutor Kimberly Morris wound down the school year on quite a high Assemblymember Chris Ward in the last few days recognized Morris as the District Educator of the Year View this post on Instagram A post shared by Assemblymember Chris Ward asmchrisward She was also honored last month during Instructor Appreciation Week Ward chose Morris for this honor after being nominated by members of the group An alumna of the school Morris has been teaching at Patrick Henry High for a year Emily Moy who teaches engineering at Patrick Henry noted Patrick Henry s Engineering Academy was thrilled to welcome Mrs Morris to the crew this year Her strong technical and communication skills as well as her dedication to improving equitable access to STEM teaching has strengthened our project considerably This recognition is well-deserved and our students are so lucky to have her Science instructor Lara Dickens added Mrs Morris was a stellar novice club leader and excelled in athletics She took advantage of opportunities like spending a week on a mountain learning about glaciers with Inspiring Girls Expeditions her senior year She then went on to volunteer with them We are fortunate to have such a wonderful role model back on campus She is an outstanding educator I am honored to work along side her and I appreciate all she has done for Henry High Highlighting the good work going on at Patrick Henry High According to Morris receiving this honor is a big moment in her life and it highlights chosen of the good work going on at Patrick Henry High Being named Coach of the Year by Assemblymember Chris Ward is an incredibly humbling and meaningful honor Morris remarked It s especially powerful knowing the nomination came from members of our own area it feels like a recognition not just of my work but of the relationships built over the past years in training Teaching is often a behind-the-scenes effort filled with long hours tough decisions and emotional commitment To have that work acknowledged in such a constituents way is both validating and energizing This award reminds me that the work we do supporting students building inclusive learning environments and helping them grow not just academically but as people matters It s an honor that affirms my purpose and pushes me to keep striving for what s practicable in tuition Returning to where she once was a trainee has made this award even more fulfilling Coming back to teach at Patrick Henry High School my alma mater has been both exciting and surreal Morris disclosed I walk the same halls where I once made lifelong memories and now I have the privilege of calling my former teachers colleagues It s a full-circle moment that I don t take for granted As the only computer science guide on campus I get to work with selected of the majority curious creative and driven students at Henry These young people are not only academically talented they re leaders who care deeply about making a positive impact on the world Watching them develop their problem-solving skills collaborate on complex challenges and bring innovative ideas to life is one of the the bulk rewarding parts of my job As Morris sees it she is also lucky to work alongside a staff that shares an unwavering commitment to candidate success Growing up in this society I was shaped by particular truly amazing educators Morris commented To now be in a position where I can contribute to that same legacy is incredibly meaningful Looking ahead I feel even more motivated knowing that my own daughter will one day walk these same halls It s a privilege to be part of the organization that helps make Patrick Henry and this public a place where all students can thrive Guiding young minds in the field of computer science Given she is the lone computer science coach at Patrick Henry High Morris sees a great opportunity to guide young minds in this all-important field My goals for my students in computer science go far beyond just learning how to code Morris went on to say I want them to graduate from our System and Systems Advance pathway with the confidence skills and mindset to thrive in a fast-changing tech landscape That means preparing them not just for the jobs of in the current era but for those that don t even exist yet I do this by immersing them in real-world system improvement practices helping them earn professional certifications and guiding them in building portfolios that showcase their technical and creative achievements While having the right skillset is critical now and down the road to do well in computer science there is much more to what Morris teaches Just as crucial to me is building a classroom that is inclusive empowering and representative Morris noted I m deeply committed to increasing female representation in computer science Through founding our Girls Who Code club and connecting students with inspiring women in tech I strive to create a space where all students especially those traditionally underrepresented in STEM can see themselves as future innovators and leaders Ultimately I want every learner to leave my class not only as a capable developer but as a thoughtful ethical and empowered creator and consumer of the mechanism that will shape our future