grayson lee maxwell
Rutherford County Schools

Kim Haddock is a special education teacher with over 30 years of teaching experience. In this Q+A of hers, she talks about her love of reading, how to build successful relationships, and the difference her teachers make.

Q: What is your educational background?

A: I started working as a behavior mod teacher in Stewartsboro 30 years ago, teaching behavior classes. So I did it for 6 years. Then I followed the Vice Principal who has been here since he opened Rock Springs Elementary School. I taught General Education to her for 4 years and has been attending special school ever since. This year is the school’s 25th anniversary.

Q: What are the characteristics of the students at Rock Springs Elementary School?

A: Amazingly, the population has become very diverse in the last 25 years. They were all very kind and if it weren’t for our differences, we teachers wouldn’t have come every day. I keep going every day.

Q: What do you like most about this job?

A: I like working with children. I have a good sense of humor and love to have fun, but I love reading. That’s my passion. I love teaching reading and math, but I love seeing the lights come on when my kids are reading. You can say, “Look how much you’ve grown!” Also, you can build that kind of relationship with your parents and tell them how much your child has grown.

Q: What do you like to do besides teaching?

A: I love watching my son play soccer at Harvard. So I’m going to try to get on a plane this weekend and see him play. That’s my passion. I love to travel, I love cruises…we went in May. When I retire, I plan to travel a lot.

Q: How are your relationships with students formed?

A: That’s an important part of education, isn’t it? I get involved I try to go to their ballpark, but I think it’s very important to have a good relationship with your parents. Develop the ability to laugh when we make mistakes – it helps kids want to come to class.