Kim Laird
Position: Eighth Grade Teacher
School: Panther Valley High School
School District: Panther Valley School District
City, State: Lansford, PA
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Kim Laird was nominated by Tabitha McIntosh, the parent of a student.
"Kim goes above and beyond for all of her students," said McIntosh. "She also went above and beyond to help my daughter through some very different times, even when she wasn’t her student anymore."
Kim is my 8th-grade English teacher. She is a fantastic teacher who helps the community and her students to achieve their goals.
Kim is such an amazing person, she truly teaches us all how to be selfless, strong and teaches our children how to work hard and study. She teaches them to be strong, independent and to reach for what they want in life. She has shown them they can do and be what ever they want in life. You could not ask for a better role model than Kim Laird
I have the pleasure of working with a student in Ms. Laird's 8th grade class this year. I have had the opportunity to watch many of her students in various classes/classrooms since kindergarten. Sitting in her class the past few visits, I am so impressed by the structure and student enagement. It has become increasingly apparent, this amazing teacher who is passionate about her job (and believe me in her heart that isn't just being an ELA teacher) believed in these students from day one; and now equivalently amazing is watching the students believing in themselves as a result of her dedication As they write their "MLA" formatted papers about their career plans/goal, starting each paragraph with a "hook", I know there is a teacher guiding that process who is 100% dedicated to supporting the development of not just the paper...but the goal each student is detailing. Ms.Laird thank you for enriching the lives of your students. Thank you for believing in them and clearly doing what you can to encourage that they believe in themselves.
Mrs. Laird can is very strict about the work but that's for a reason because she truly cares about her students passing and the people around her. She never fails to help anyone when they ask for it and that's a good thing.
Kim is a wonderful teacher who is very connected to her students. She spends countless hours offering assistance to students to make sure they are getting what they need. She is compassionate and one of the most caring people I know. She pushes students to achieve their potential and makes the material interesting to them. She is also a wonderful collegue always finding ways our team could be stronger. She is positive and encouraging and it is appreciated by her students as well as colleagues. Kim is an excellent choice for this award because she impacts the lives of our students daily! She is driven and passionate about her calling as an educator and this positively impacts her students.
I have been teaching with Kim for the last 17 years. She is an all-in educator. She always goes the extra mile when it comes to her students, present and past. Kim has impacted all of us positively with whatever she does for the school, students, fellow educators and beyond. It has been my pleasure to be able to consider her a colleague and a friend.
Ms. Laird has always gone above and beyond for our children and the district. She is always willing to help with anything. She is an amazing teacher and she is a huge asset to our school.
I don’t think there are adequate words to express exactly how wonderful Kim Laird is - as a human - not just as a teacher!
I have the honor of being Kim’s colleague at Panther Valley School District since I started there in 1994….and I can say without hesitation that no one has ever been more dedicated to our school and its’ people as Kim - and no one has gone above and beyond more than she has and continues to do.
The list of Kim’s accomplishments is endless -as you can see on the many comments…
I think her passion and connection with her students will be her greatest legacy. An unbelievable number of “kids” (both former and present) know, without a shadow of a doubt, that they can turn to her at any time - and she WILL be there for them. What can be more important than that. My life is so much better with Kim in it ??
What can I say? Kim is the most amazing teacher I have ever met. She can pivot in a minute to adapt to her students and what admin needs of her. She is so supportive of her students that they stay in contact with her through their lifetime. She is the epitome of what the Webster dictionary would describe as a teacher. On a professional level, she is a joy to work with. She always is positive and supports her fellow teachers. She is true asset to Panther Valley and In my opinion, deserves this award because she is what every teacher should strive to be.
I am new to Panther Valley. I finally have my classroom, before this I substituted. Kim was the first one from my grade level team that I met. I was setting up my classroom. She was there because we had professional development training. It was online, however, she and I figured we could get more things accomplished if we're in the school. As time went on, I got very close to Kim. She can be a mother figure to not just our students, but others that need someone to listen. There are days when we laugh when we cry. We talk about our frustrations with some parents and what we can do to help our students (most of the time nothing). Kim always reminds me to just make their day at school good. She answers questions honestly and doesn’t sugar code them. Some days were horrible and she was right there. She is the same way with our students. She cares for them as if they are her own. She has Google Meets for extra help two times a week. There are quirks about Kim, that she just wants to help everyone. She wants all students to work to their fullest potential. Kim Laird is one of a kind. I am so thankful to have met her.
Ms Laird is one above the rest. Not only is she a dedicated teacher and devoted to all her students but she goes above and beyond for all the students in our school district. She is always looking at what opportunities she can bring to the district and organizing what she can to make those opportunities happen.
I am so honored to have met her and to have gotten to witness the dedication and love she has for her job, the school and most importantly her students.
Kim is a fantastic teacher!
Mrs. Laird was a great teacher I had her in 8th grade and I'm now in 11th grade. Mrs.Laird use to help my other teacher Mrs. Roberts most of the time I have epilepsy and she helped her help me threw it I also loved her dog dacota she was a great dog and I loved seeing her she also new when I were to have a seizure I also loved when Mrs. Laird helped me with my work. I had a hard time with my work but I've gotten better threw out the years I hope Mrs. Laird is doing well and great and that her 8th grade students love her as a teacher as much as I did.
I have known Kim Laird for about 17 years. Kim goes above and beyond for the students, faculty and community of Panther Valley. She challenges her students to do the best they can and supports them when they struggle. She looks to bring unique learning opportunities to her students. Kim is well deserving of this nomination.
There is simply not enough to time to describe Ms. Laird. She goes above and beyond for her students and cares for them beyond measure. She is an asset to our community and the kids who were taught by her are blessed to have such a dedicated individual.
My daughter Olivia was in a LifeSkills class at Panther Valley Jr/Sr High School
She happens to have Down Syndrome and autism. Ms. Laird cared so much for Olivia and the other students in that classroom. She brought her beautiful dog Dakoda to school to help the LifeSkills students learn all about caring for dogs, teaching them tricks, and making homemade toys. This instilled so much confidence and pride in those kids. You could see it in the way they lit up with a smile when Dakoda complied with a command they'd give. They looked forward to rewarding her with a treat too.
Ms. Laird went above and beyond with such patience in making every child feel accepted and included. She always made sure to invite the LifeSkills class to all field trips and awards ceremonies. Even in this era, that type of inclusion isn't always a given in every school. Ms. Laird made sure it was!
What a truly caring and compassionate teacher. She has touched many, many lives. I feel she is the very heart of the school.
Mrs.Laird was an amazing English teacher when I had her she would do anything for her students.
Mrs.Lard was my 8th grade english teacher and she is nothing short of amazing. She always offers out a helping hand to anyone who needs it, and cares not only about her students education, but also about their genuine wellbeing. As a teacher and a friend I will always remember Mrs.Laird and the impact she made on my life.
As a student and then a board member Kim still shows the same compassion and still is finding more
innovationIng in the classroom
When you are looking for the Life Changer of the Year Award recipient, please look no further. I am honored to write this endorsement on behalf of Ms. Laird, our 8th Grade ELA teacher. As her principal for the past two years, I am privileged to know her as a teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend. Ms. Laird wears a vast array of hats in our school and puts 110% in everything she pursues. She is the ELA Department Chair for the English Department for six grades, Chorus director, Yearbook Co-Chair, Culture Fest Advisor, homebound instructor, tutor, and mentor, to name a few. Her passion for teaching students in the classroom also extends into meaningful lessons outside of the classroom walls. She is helping to build life-long learners and creating opportunities for students to value their worth and to strive for any goal no matter their passion.
When Covid happened, and a new administrator arrived, she could have hung her hat up and decided it was time to retire with all her years of service. But we met, and we talked, and we shared our goals for the school and our students, and what we want our students to achieve, and as we spoke, I saw the fire inside her and knew it was not her time to retire, she still had the drive to teach. Luckily for our Panther Valley students and staff, she stayed. Her ability to teach asynchronously and synchronously was put to the test, and she was successful. Successful to the point that she not only added private zoom meetings with students, but she also went to their homes, sitting in their houses and sometimes on porches. She taught students, some of which were not even her current students, but she knew they needed help, so she did what Ms. Laird would do, and she created a new way of teaching students, any way possible.
I could share multiple stories of her teaching ability, but I also want you to know that she is there for her students, her colleagues, and every member of our district.
Kim is a fantastic person, both professionally and personally. She does not stop learning and gaining more knowledge to not only support her students but to support her colleagues as well. Kim is Google Certified and provides professional development to our staff to navigate our virtual platforms. In this time of her career, you would expect her to slow down, but on the contrary, she is gaining more knowledge every day and sharing new information for everyone, both staff and students, to be successful.
When it came time to revamp our course selections, Kim added on a new class to teach, developed a curriculum for the class, and added a new college class through our local community college. She instructs students on the college level without them even leaving our school. She is providing high-level educational opportunities for students who might not have had the chance.
As you can see, Kim is a well-rounded and fantastic individual. She takes her ability to teach to a whole new level, both in and outside the classroom. She educates junior high students and high school students, and she does not stop learning every day.
As her principal, I am incredibly proud of all her accomplishments, giving her my highest endorsement. I hope the panel sees the excellent work Kim has done for students over the past 37 years and honors her with this incredible award.
Miss Laird was quintessential in helping me discover my love of English, writing, and also for theatre. She's always gone above and beyond for her students.
Kim is one of the best from Panther Valley. During my 2nd year teaching in the district, she was one of the first people to welcome me to the building. As a former special education teacher within the district, Kim always went above and beyond for all my students we have shared. She is a huge advocate for all of her students and wants them to be the best they can be. Kim exemplifies what it truly means to be PV proud. Whether it was bringing her therapy dog Dakota in the building to help students in our Emotional Support program to staying extra hours after school to work with students, Ms. Laird is truly dedicated to the profession and loves what she does. I am so grateful that I was able to work with Kim in my first few years teaching and have gotten to learn so much from her. If anyone is deserving of this award, it would be Kim.
Ms. Laird is an amazing teacher and always goes above and beyond for her students. She is a huge asset to our district and continuously tries to help each and every one of her students. She always shows students they can do anything they want if they try hard enough and put their best effort forth. So many students have been impacted by her kindness, willingness to help everyone, and dedication to her profession. We are all lucky to have someone so dedicated in our community and shaping the lives of so many students.
Ms. Laird is a wonderful, caring teacher. She introduced to our school district, a wonderful animal therapy program called Mutigrees. The Emotional support and Life skills students learned so many wonderful qualities including, sharing, caring, giving and compassion. All the students and staff fell in love with her beautiful dog Dakota and looked forward to seeing her when she was brought to school to teach the Mutigree program. Ms. Laird went above and beyond to teach the students so many wonderful qualities. We can't thank her enough for sharing this program with our classes.
Ms. Laird is by far the best of the best!
Ms.Laird goes above and beyond. I am not only a colleague, but a parent of three children who had Ms.Laird. I've seen her be a Dj at dances, organize fun days and so much more! She is not the type of teacher that leaves at the end of the day and forgets her job or her students. If any one is deserving of this award and long overdue of receiving it, in my eyes would be Ms.laird.
Mrs. Laird was my eight grade English teacher. Not only does she do a great job teaching but she interacts with students better than any other teacher I’ve had. Mrs. Laird is truly a class act and cares so much about the panther valley school district. When it comes to working with students or setting up events for them.
I have known Kim for over 30 years. First as my teacher, and now as my colleague. She works selflessly to see to the needs of each of her students and is always first to lend a hand to colleagues. She gives her time, talent, and compassion to each person she comes in contact with every day.
Kim is one of the most amazing, caring and supportive teachers I know. She has been a positive impact in mine and my son's life. She has helped my son Excell in his education.
Where do I begin, Mrs. Laird was one of the most amazing teachers that had ever taught me. She was always there for you if you ever needed anything. She always put a smile on your face, try to make you laugh, and always helped with anything. Great person to talk to about anything, and always treats students with respect. She goes above and beyond for her students, made sure that Black Gold and White Day would always happen, came up with new ideas for student activities, and come up with amazing project ideas for her class! One time I needed help with an essay, and she ended up helping me with it my freshman year. She always told me, “Once my student always my student, and if you ever need help when you finish this year, I’ll always be here to help if you need anything.” She deserves this more than anyone.
Mrs. Laird was a wonderful teacher that I had in school many years ago, she was always fun to learn from and a great drama instructor as well. She always went above and beyond without ever flinching. Now I have the wonderful privilege of her teaching both of my boys. This woman deserves this award more than any I can think of.
Ms. Laird is an amazing educator not only in school but in life as well. I wasn't very close to her while in school but she made such an impact on my closest friends that it also impacted me. She can be tough on her students but that is because she knows that you are not working to your potential, I know I butted heads with her while in her class because I just wanted to get by without doing much work. But she was always there cheering me on even when I didn't realize it. If you have her as a teacher you will always be one of her kids. I joined the Drama club my senior year of high school and even though my part was small she made us all feel like no matter what the show would not be the same if we weren't there. As an adult we are friends on Facebook and I look to her posts for guidance on how to show more compassion and to just be a better human. Ms. Laird is truly a lifechanger to all who have the pleasure of knowing her.
I support Kim Laid in her nomination for this award. I'm the visual arts teacher at the JSHS School where Kim has taught 8th grade since before I myself sat in her classroom. As such, I have had the opportunity of knowing her as a teacher and colleague. As a teacher, Kim is passionate about the material she covers which is contagious to her students. As a colleague, Kim is a wealth of experience and knowledge. She is helpful and considerate. I strongly encourage you to consider Kim Laird for this award.
Kim was my 7th grade English teacher. In high school, she was also my drama club director. Being in drama club was a transformational moment in my life. Kim helped me break out of my shell, fostered in me a love of performing, and really helped shape the person I am today. I joined the drama club to specifically do set work. She convinced me to try out and encouraged me to keep at it when I didn't think I was cut out for it. Her ability to inspire confidence in others and her belief in what her students can accomplish is amazing. She is a spectacular mentor and an even better friend. And I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the help, instruction, guidance, and friendship I needed and benefited from, she has done for hundreds of other students as well. I am thankful that, years after I left her classroom, she is a part of my life.
Kim is an extremely dedicated teacher. She goes above and beyond whether it is her staying after school with student or going to students home to assist with their academic needs. She is in constant communication with parents and always supportive of her students and the panther valley family.
So much to say! Thiss teacher saved my life! I was in her first class at pv. My childhood was very tramatic however this amazing woman seen past all the walls i had built and took notice! She knew something was horribly wrong and never judged. In stead she encouraged me to take part in the drama class! Alice and wanderland was the play! Needless to say she gave an abused child hope! I was on a horrible path until this amazing teacher took time and noticed Me! Thank you so much! You are my hero
Panther Valley is truly blessed to have Ms. Laird on the team. Kim has an exceptional love and desire for teaching.She has taught me and all my children far behind literature. What I have learned though the twenty years I have seen her teach is that she has no limits to helping children grow and be formed into functioning members of society . Being a class room teacher is one thing but this is a 24/7 passion. From after school drama club to put on plays with her students
to producing after school juggling programs to reach students " because they all don't learn the same" . Getting phone calls from her asking how my kids are doing in college and if they need help with anything the door is always open and her phone is always on. This is not just for me it is for all " her kids". Many times I have seen her reaching out to kids with real problems that most people would run away from. Ms. Laird might be short in stature but never have I seen a bigger heart.
MS.laird always has a positive attitude towards the students and staff members! She always offers a helping hand to anyone who needs it. Shes a very kind and positive person, and I truly believe she deserves this award!
Mrs. Laird was my favorite high school teacher over 20 years ago, and I fondly credit her for my love of literature! Especially The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe! She motivates her students and genuinely cares about their success and futures. I had the opportunity to work with her outside of school as well, and it was and absolute pleasure! She is compassionate and is a valued and needed educator. I'll be forever grateful for her impact on me.
Ms. Laird was an outstanding teacher and support system. She provided a safe space and extracurricular activities for those of us who may have struggled from various issues any preteen/teenager is going through.
Kim Laird is the purest kind of soul, she has a light that cannot be contained and she spreads that joy to her students. Her resilience, her determination, and her heart have made her an inspiration. She puts everything into her teaching and it shows, I don’t know where I’d be without her. Ms. Laird was one of the only people there for me during a very dark time in my life. She made me feel safe and loved, I wish every student got a chance to sit in her classroom so they could understand just how wonderful she is.
I have had the honor to work with Ms Laird for years and I see first hand her dedication to helping students to succeed! She has and will give her time to support any student in times of need in school as well after school. She gives her time to run many events for the students outside of school to benefit them as well as have them participate in them. She works countless hours for all students.
Kim is a caring,loving and engaging educator. I taught with her for 30 some years. She always had her class involved in interesting subject matter and beyond. As far as I am concerned she is one of the finest teachers I have had the pleasure of working with and being part of our team.
Kim Laird has taught 4 of my children, 3 of which are adults now. Their memories of her class are nothing but positive. Working with Ms. Laird over the years, I can without a doubt, say she deserves this Honor. She's there for everyone! Kim also implemented a wonderful program that enabled children to learn and develop their skills with her loving dog, Dakota. Ms. Laird is not only a teacher, she's a friend to our community.
I had Ms. Laird as my ELA teacher when I was in middle school and am now one of her colleagues as a middle school ELA teacher myself in a neighboring district. I loved that her class let us do a lot of group work and creative projects, both of which I do as a teacher now myself. Ms. Laird is so dedicated to her students, school, and community. She has supported the team I coached at PV and is always up for helping any team or group in the school.
Mrs. Laird loves her students and would do anything for them. She spends countless hours making sure they get an excellent education even in circumstances that are stacked against the kids. She spends her own money time and effort to make sure all her kids are successful in life! She absolutely is a life changer in the panther Valley School district!
Mrs. Laird is truly the most caring teacher I have ever had. She pushes us to do our best and shows us that we CAN do it. If anybody deserves this award it's her.
Ms.Laird has taught me for the past 2 years lol, she has made a impact on my life and made me look at life differently, she has made a difference on everyones life who meets her! shes very outgoing and very kind!! Ive learned so much from her! shes a amazing person
Ms. Laird is an excellent and caring teacher! She brought the therapy dog program “Muttigrees” to the ES and Life Skills programs at the high school. The kids loved it and learned so much!
Ms. Laird is a wonderful teacher. Her literature students read to my first graders. We absolutely love it!!
Being the person in charge of all the music curriculum in a school is challenging. Being in charge of that curriculum for grades 7-12 is even more so. Rebuilding a program, on top of all of that, tests every mental fiber of one's being. Enter Ms. Laird. She's here to personally buy the chorister's scarves and personally embroider them to make them look more professional. She made folders for every chorister and personally made sure every student had everything. She sings with the kids to help them aurally understand their parts, records music that doesn't have a piano accompaniment, and brings her laptop/sound system to ensure everything rolls smoothly. She treats the students with empathy, compassion, and with great honesty. She greets you as positively as possible every single day and genuinely cares about what's going on in your life. She an educator who truly leads by example and a lynchpin in this program. She's a #lifechanger.
Ms. Laid is the most understanding teacher I have ever met in all of the schools I have been in. She helps her students 24/7 and is very kind, generous, and one of the most hard-working teachers in the 8th grade English teacher. I would have never gotten where I am today if it wasn't for her so thank you Ms. Laird for all your help keep up the good work and the good positivity you have in your life and spread!!!!!!!!!!
Ms. Laird is a teacher who is committed to serving her students both in and out of the classroom. She goes above and beyond to make sure students have what they need for class and for life. She is always available to lend a helping hand, a listening ear, donate her time or talent or anything else that is needed for her students, past and present, as well as her coworkers. She is an excellent choice for the Life Changer of the Year award.
Personally, for me, Ms. Laird has given me life lessons and excellent teachings during my lifetime, and this year isn't even halfway finished! She is the nicest and most cooperative teacher you will ever meet in your lifetime, and I bet everyone who is reading this is way older than me, and to take that with no offense, you have had several teachers in grades I haven't even hit! I know she takes the time out of her day to do zoom meetings with students who need help. She answers her email before I can even say the longest word in the English dictionary, Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis. (That isn't the longest word in technicality, but the longest word is a giant protein and the largest protein to be discovered. The word takes three and a half hours to pronounce so I am not righting that right now with no disrespect, and that is correct search it up!) What I am trying to say is that she will help her students without stuttering because she loves her students including me so much that she is willing to sacrifice what she is doing at the moment to help us. I don't ask for much, but I would truly love for Ms. Laird to get this award with all of my heart and I know the whole school district's heart if it had one. (We have spirit and heart but the joke is that the school district is not living so it doesn't have a heart but we have a lot of spirit and heart and trust me with that!) I am being serious when I say she helps us no matter what, that I am starting to consider, believe, make a hypothesis, and test my hypothesis that Ms. Laird is a robot and lives at school to recharge! In no joking matter, I truly hope that Ms. Laird wins the award and all the other awards because if I didn't I wouldn't be here writing this lovely letter to you, the reader. I am flabbergasted with everything she has done and is willing to do for us, that I wouldn't be surprised if a band (I mean a group of gorillas, look it up, I'm not joking when I say that a group of gorillas is called a band!) would come to chase us, and Ms. Laird is there to defend us! Thank you for reading this huge letter, but I wrote it because I truly care, and I hope you have a good day! Also, GO MS. LAIRD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have so much to thank Ms. Laird for. If it wasn’t for her being the advisor to Odyssey of the Mind all those years ago I don’t think I would have the life I have now. Being in Odyssey allowed me to not only create lifelong friendships, but it also allowed 7th grade me create a connection with the 8th grade Paul who I’ve been blessed to call my husband. I truly do believe her selflessness to the betterment of the PV youth has changed so many lives including mine, my husband, and the group of friends that thrived in OotM and also the gloriousness that was Suessical the Musical.
Mrs. Laird is a wonderful person and teacher. All of her students love her. She has spread cheer to the elementary building by having her literature students read to the elementary classes virtually. She is a wonderful person to have as a coworker!
Ms. Laird has been a staple in the Panther Valley community for decades. She is dedicated and passionate towards her students education, and truly cares about their well being. She is beyond deserving of this prestigious award, not only because of her superior teaching abilities; but, also providing a caring atmosphere for her students.
Ms. Laird is a wonderful person. As a new teacher in the school, Ms. Laird was one of the first people to reach out and offer her support. I really appreciated her kindness.
If I were tasked to select the single most influential educator in my life, it would be Kim Laird. They say “Be the person you needed when you were younger” and for me that means emulating the kindness, strength, and dedication of the person I was lucky enough to have. Kim challenged me in all aspects of life, but only after giving me the resources and experience needed to succeed, and all the while offering the unconditional support necessary to keep me leaping out of my comfort zone knowing she would be there when I fell. Not to prevent the fall, but to help me get back up, because falling is part of learning.
It wasn’t easy. Kim saw my strengths and wouldn’t let me settle for excellence. Yes, you read that right. Even if I was achieving 100% she emphasized the grade was not the goal, the growth was. She expected more of me, she believed more in me, and she cared more for me than I did for myself at that time. It was empowering to have someone so invested in my life. Kim also saw my weaknesses and wouldn’t let me use them as excuses. She would acknowledge the things that held me back, validate that there were reasons I struggled, but encourage me to overcome. At the time, I interpreted much of her crazy suggestions as just another part of her overachieving, high-energy personality. In retrospect, I marvel at the mastery of her covert intervention skills. She didn’t convince me to get involved by complimenting me. She did it by showing me how I could help others, by gradually building up my confidence and empathy. So I ended up in the Talent Show and theatre and Odyssey of the Mind and Destination Imagination and Yearbook and Newspaper and the list goes on, because she advised all of those engaging groups that support well-rounded development and she believed I could help make those programs better. She insisted that I could change the world. Just me. And while many people say that, few people show it. I knew she was changing the world, because she changed my life. She modeled that fact for me, so of course I could do it too. It is important to note here that while Kim at times seems superhuman, her ability to do it all with a smile still seemed attainable to me as a student. She had bad days. Sometimes, while she was leaping out of her comfort zone, she fell. And she made sure we knew she was still growing too (not in terms of height - she is a lot of awesome in a short package) so that we saw what resilience looked like. She has done so much for the community of Panther Valley throughout her career, but she did it while emphasizing that she is human. That anyone could do it. She just happened to be the one to step up.
Kim remained a continuous mentor and advocate for me throughout high school and college. I met her as an incredibly shy, cynical Type A with social anxiety and low self-esteem. I often wished I could disappear entirely. Today, I can easily “code switch” between my natural introverted personality and necessary extroverted abilities thanks to the skills Kim taught me to help others connect and communicate. She showed me how to use my cynical view of the world to not only identify all that is wrong in it, but develop anticipatory creative problem solving techniques to improve it. She showed me, sometimes through her own mistakes, how to balance my Type A energy with mindfulness and coping skills to prioritize my mental health. She created positive, safe environments to highlight shared interests that resulted in lifelong friendships and improved social skills. Most importantly, her endless encouragement and genuine kindness helped me to see the positive qualities reflected in myself. As I pursued my own career in education, she has always been in my heart. I try to show my students what Kim showed me. I try to offer them that same unconditional, unwavering encouragement to dream, try, reach, and exceed. I try to see them all as unlimited potential. And I remember that at any moment I could be saving the world for any one of them, because I know that Miss Laird saved mine.
Kim was such a positive force myself and many others in middle school ans throughout High school.
I never seen a teacher give so much back to her students the her.
No matter the setting, Kim would of go out of her way and provide her time, knowledge and even if she had to financially take care of extracurricular school actives when the school could not accommodate.
Even when not viewed as the popular choice for school support, her and her husband Rob gave everything they had to the schools drama program.
I can not thank her enough for her time and support. She truly was one of the few educators that made me feel like a person and that I deserve better and I can achieve anything.
Mrs.laird is a very fun teacher,she can be serious,but she has her fun.
Ms. laird is a very kind and dedicated teacher who treats all students the same, and helps all. #BestTeacher2021
Kim has been a teacher who has supported so many students through the years. She is very dedicated to her profession and the need to help any and all students to succeed. She is always available for students even after school during the week and weekends. She has never turned a child away without trying everything possible to make sure they would succeed. She does all of this as well as bring programs to the school that benefits the students. She runs a "Fun Day" for grades 7-12 at the end of the year which requires many hours of planning and always donates her time and money for a good cause. She is an excellent example of the lengths teachers are going during this pandemic for those online learners. She will represent the Life Changer Teacher of the Year title with the utmost excellence.
Ms Laird is one of the best teachers an 8th grader could have, and sometimes she will tell us stuff and whenever there's a test coming up we play Kahoot.
Mrs. Laird is a phenomenal person and teacher. All of her students love her and enjoy her teaching methods. She has spread her joy of teaching even down to the elementary building by having her literature students read to the elementary classes virtually. She is an inspiration for all teachers!
I'm so grateful you were my teacher. Thank you for emboldening me. Your positivity and encouragement brightened my days. You made me a better, more thoughtful person. Back in the day, you probably rolled your eyes at that one teacher who “nagged” you to do better. But now you understand the bigger lessons they were trying to teach you. Look up one of your old instructors and tell them how they made an impact on your life. Here are some things you can say:
1. I wouldn’t be where I am without you. Running your own business. Thriving in a career you love. Getting out of debt. Starting a charity. What teacher wouldn’t get a kick out of knowing they motivated you to achieve those things?
2. I never forgot this one thing you said to me. Educators love to hear how a phrase they uttered—like “double-check your work” or “learn from your mistakes instead of dwelling on them”—stuck in your mind. They’ll also be happy the words didn’t go in one ear and out the other.
3. You saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. Award-winning actress Hilary Swank told the Academy of Achievement that she found her calling when her fifth-grade teacher, Mr. Sellereit, had her write and perform a skit for her class.1 Imagine how good Mr. Sellereit felt when he heard that! Hilary said she was so grateful for his influence that she’s even gone back to visit his classroom and speak to his students.2 Talk about a compliment!
4. I’m still using a skill you taught me. Maybe it’s the memory tricks that helped you recall the answers to your final exams or the time-management tips that helped you balance homework with your after-school job. It’s awesome for your teacher to hear how those skills are still helping you today with your job and your family.
Ms. Laird is very kind, helpful, and cares about what does for the students also your my favorite teacher i hope you win
Ms.Kim is an amzing teacher she help me when I did not know what to do. She is a very good listener when I am feeling down even if she is really and I MEAN REALLY IS HARD ON USE that shows that she cares and that she believes that we CAN DO BETTER and that we will be something great. Ms.Kim puts use before herself she saved a girl from dying, she helped people, she makes things fun
one of thing I really love about Ms.Kim is that she never ever gives up on us even if she having a hard day and even tho if we get out of hands she never ever gives up. That is something that I love about Ms.Kim I love writing but I stop because I did not know how to spell and I thought my story was not good at all but when Ms.Kim showed me how fun it was again I was happy because I love writing and writing is that one thing that can help me when I am sad or mad, but she show me how much I love writing. Today Ms.Kim and I were reading my story and when she said she was proud I was happy she did not stop talking about how good it was and how proud she was. When she said she was proud I was happy that I was going to cry. That the thing about Ms.Kim is she shows people they are worth something great she show that I am a good writer she help Christi about learning numerous life lessons through the hands-on experience she. Dr. Stephanie Gardiner-Walsh she recognized my needs, pulled her into a supportive theatre, opened worlds to me, and cheered every step. She was there for Bobbi Kulaga, Lauren Shimer (Gibson), Kelly Paul-Fritz, Marie ODonnell, Stacy Zabroski. Not many kids in my school like her they think that she is too hard and she does too much when they are failing her class she does that because she care. I was going to write a two-three sentence but someone like Ms.Kim deserves more Ms.Kim should win and I feel like she deserves to win. I hope she wins thank you Ms.Kim for everything your one-of-a-kind stay golden Ms.Kim.<33 Jaybella Rolon
nice job ms. laird you are a great teacher and you my favorite person
I am new to PVSD, but I can already tell how dedicated Mrs. Laird is to her job. She is here before I arrive every morning, and her car is still in the parking lot when I leave. (Even though I also often stay late after school!)
she is a nice teacher she helps me when I need help she does zoom meats were if I have a Qashton I can ask her and she will help me and she also helps me in class with things she will help me with my work if I need help and if I do bad on my test she will help me study and then give me another chance to do my bast she is my favorite teacher
Ms. Laird has helped through my rough times as a student. She is an good person to be around and share your problems with Ms. Laird she would listen to what you have to say and will end up on an positive note.
she is a great english teacher and she has helped me a lot with improving on my writing
Ms Laird is one of the most dedicated teachers I have ever met. She is one of the best teachers ever!
Ms. Laird is not only an awesome teacher, she is also an awesome person. She is constantly thinking of others and it doesn't matter if you are a current student, a student she had 20 years a go, or a staff member. She will always take the time to help anyone out. It's definitely a pleasure working with her and knowing her!
I have worked with Ms Laird for the past 17 years. She has always cared about her students. She has always been one of those teachers who will stay after school to help a student. During COVID she has gone to homes to help with online work. She has always helped provide students with supplies they need, whether it's clothes, food or for school. And, recently, she made and delivered Thanksgiving meals to her students in need.
Mrs. Laird is a coworker of mine and although we work in different buildings I feel very comfortable going to her for help or working with her in the classroom setting. This year we started collaborating and her high school students read virtually to my first grade students via google meets. It is a great program that she set up. It lets the young kids and older kids form a wonderful bond. They look forward to it each week. She does a lot of amazing things for her students and her community. This is a well deserved nomination!
Kim is an awesome teacher and always has the best interest of her students. She often would visit classrooms with her therapy dog and interact with the students teaching them lessons. She is well deserving of this award!
Congratulations Miss Laird
Although we have only spoken over the phone, I think we spoke for over an hour.
I wanted to say thank you for your patience with Anthony I could tell you were genuinely concerned for him and I just wanted to say thank you you are the only teacher that responded or reached back out to me
I am very happy that you were nominated as I know that you go above and beyond for the kids so yes I just wanted to say thank you
Ms. Laird has such a sweet and kind heart. She reached out to me to make sure my family had Thanksgiving dinner if not she was going to provide it.
Ms. Laird has always made time for my questions regarding Language Arts. She was a big help to me in the beginning of my career. Her knowledge of the subject matter and willingness to share strategies regarding the teaching of Language Arts helped to make my job easier. Many times over the past eighteen years I have picked up the phone to ask her a grammar question. She is always pleasant and does not seem bothered to take the time to explain.
I am a new teacher in the district and it did not take too long to notice that Kim goes above and beyond. As I am learning more and more about the district I see examples of her providing experiences for students where they would not otherwise have the ability. Like so many districts we struggle with funding meaning fewer clubs, sports and activities can be provided by the district. Kim volunteers her time to help ensure our students have something to look forward to during the school day. She has also been incredibly welcoming and has a set a tone I hope to be able to follow in some small way as I develop professionally here.
Mrs.laird is caring and kind and always puts others before herself
Ms. Laird has done so much for so many of our students. The students do not need to be in her class to know they will always have a friendly smile, supportive comment, or answer to their question in Ms. Laird. She has used passions outside of the school to help with many of our students, showing how hard work, compassion, and empathy can provide a strong structure to a person's self-worth.
We just moved to the area and it’s my sons first year in Panther Valley. Ms. Laird starts our week off with an email of her lesson plans which makes it so easy to navigate through the week. My son really enjoys her class as well. So happy that she was nominated she is truly amazing.
As an 8th grader, Kim taught me numerous life lessons through hands on experience. She helped to curate confidence and self esteem. When I became a teacher myself, I had the opportunity to work alongside her. She was a mentor for me and guided me through my first year as a teacher. She made me feel welcome and like I could come to her with anything. Once you are a student of Ms. Laird, you really are “one of her kids for life”. She goes above and beyond for all her kids. She is so deserving of this recognition and more.
Kim has been a rock in my life since 7th grade. In my lowest point of middle grades, she recognized my needs, pulled me into a supportive theatre, opened worlds to me, and cheered every step. She was the person who kept me on my path because I was terrified to have to admit I did something to let her down (even though I knew she'd help me.) She cheered me on stage, in the water, on the field, and in life. She pushed me to make the right choice for college. She left school to cry with me when my dad's cancer stole him from us. She stood by me at my wedding. She answered my crying calls when I was about to quit my doctoral program. Kim is mentioned in my dissertation, teaching philosophy, and reference list. She advised me when I took my faculty job. Kim reminded me of who I am when I faced trauma at work.
When I come home to PA, beyond my mom, it is Kim (&Rob) who I MUST see to be rooted and reminded of what makes me the teacher I am.
Kim has ALWAYS been a rock to our school district. She has not only touched lives, but saved lives. Following her example of a teacher has caused conflict because so often administrators fear teachers who are there to change lives and not for a position of authority. Kim is just that role model and I'm darn proud to know that her influence is reflected through my own teaching practice.
Kim-- I love you. Every day I am thankful you taught me. I am thankful to have seen myself as 'your clone' because that bar is something I strive for daily. Thank you for helping me see what's at the Rainbow's End. <3 Stef
Ms Laird is one of the most dedicated teachers I’ve ever met. She taught both of my children. She goes above and beyond for all of her student.
Kim Laird was my teacher for two years in middle school. She helped me to develop a love of writing and English. I became a teacher and hope to inspire students as she did me. She gives her all to her students abs pushes them to be their best!
Miss Laird was also my teacher in 7th grade and advisor for the drama club. There are too many ways she supported me as a student to list here! She is an amazing teacher and truly cares about her students.
I worked with Kim for many years at the Panther Valley Middle School. She is the definition of a teacher in every way....patient, caring, understanding, knowledgeable, helpful, and willing to go the extra distance for each and every child in her classrooms.
She was one to always volunteer to be on yearbook, dance, talent show and various after school activities. For years she devoted many hours to the school's very successful Odyssey of the Mind program. She organized Middle School graduation every year and worked hard putting a program together and took the time to do calligraphy on the diplomas.
Seriously, I cannot say enough about the wonderful qualities she possesses as a teacher, a co worker, and a friend.
Ms Laird currently has my 3rd child in her English class. She is a dedicated teacher. I credit her with helping my older 2 children to become better writers. I often see her answering parents’ questions on the parent Facebook pages during her own time. She truly cares about her students and the community.