T.C. Williams Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher Kimberly Wilson has been named the 2019 Virginia Association for Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year. The award recognizes Wilson for her contributions to student success, her innovations in the Career and Technical Education classroom and for her leadership in the CTE community.
Wilson is the early childhood education program coordinator for co-op and dual enrollment opportunities within the family and consumer sciences program at T.C. Williams. Through a combination of classroom instruction with opportunities for service learning, she works with students interested in pursuing a career in early childhood education and secondary education. Prior to that, she taught the broader family and consumer sciences program at Francis C. Hammond Middle School. An educator for 27 years, Wilson left a career in retail to become a teacher after reflecting on the impact that her own CTE teacher played in her life and in shaping the person she is today.
“Career and technical education courses provide real life experiences, a foundation for life. The curriculum brings to life other disciplines and connects students to real-world experiences. Through teaching, I have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young adults. Receiving this award is an honor that’s both humbling and exciting,” said Ms. Wilson.
Wilson teaches the Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow course at T.C. Williams and plays a key role in forming partnerships with community organizations and local colleges and universities, coordinating work programs, creating observation opportunities along with field and volunteer experiences that extend student learning beyond the classroom.
She served as the president-elect, president and past-president of the Virginia Association for Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences and is a co-mentor coordinator and mentor for new teachers at T.C. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Virginia Association for Career and Technical Education. Wilson serves on a number of committees at T.C. including the graduation and prom committees and the annual Career and Technical Education awards ceremony committee and has volunteered her time on the weekends and weeknights at T.C.’s sporting events. Her involvement with students as a teacher and mentor has a lasting impact.
“Ms. Wilson taught me to love education and to see the impact effective teachers have on individuals and groups. I am a senior at Coppin State University studying elementary education. Ms. Wilson cultivated confidence in me. It is because of her that I am entering the noble profession of teaching. She has a passion for developing future teachers in and outside the classroom. She is always there for and cares about her students. I know she will continue to be a light and inspiration for many students and future teachers,” said T.C. Class of 2015 graduate Eric Nelson.
Wilson will be recognized at the Virginia Association for Career and Technical Education later this month.