Position: Fifth Grade Teacher
School: Marshall Darnell Elementary School
School District: Clark County School District
City, State: Las Vegas, NV
Kimberly Folle was nominated anonymously.
Ms. Folle fosters a positive classroom environment by establishing strong, respectful relationships with her students from the outset. She greets them warmly each morning, celebrates their progress, big or small, and sets clear expectations while also modeling empathy and kindness. She makes sure her classroom feels like a safe space where every child is seen, valued, and supported.
Ms. Folle also incorporates culturally responsive practices and collaborative activities to foster a sense of community and recognize each student's unique background and voice. A positive environment starts with connection, and she works daily to nurture that connection through consistency, encouragement, and genuine care. Her goal is to create a more interactive, student-centered math classroom where kids can explore, discuss, and truly understand math, not just memorize steps. Throughout her teaching career, many of her students have demonstrated significant growth on state testing, particularly in math. Their progress reflects the rigorous instruction, targeted support, and positive classroom culture she works hard to create each year.