Feature Stories
Bobbi Jo Kenyon, '02
Growing up with a teacher in her home, Bobbi Jo Kenyon, ’02 had no
illusions about the dedication it took to be successful in the
education profession. Her father was a teacher for 37 years, so she
understood it required commitment, long hours, and hard work to make
an impact on students. While the idea of extra work outside the
classroom without pay might sway certain young girls from pursuing a
career in education, it only made Kenyon want more. It was her
early-seeded passion that led her to earn the 2012-2013 Michigan
Teacher of the Year award.
Despite recommendations to study medicine or engineering because
of her impressive grades in high school, Kenyon knew her gift was in
teaching. After graduating from Central Michigan University with a
degree in science and secondary education, she couldn’t wait to start
her career. After a short stint as a substitute teacher, Kenyon was
hired in as a full-time teacher for Grand Rapids Public Schools. After
a transfer bumped her from Creston to Ottawa Hills High School, she
planted her roots and has been growing her dedication to inner city education.
When she decided to pursue her Master’s degree, Grand Valley
State University was the natural choice. The variety of classes
allowed her to focus on specific interests that would benefit her and
her students. An unexpected perk that she came to appreciate was the
brainstorming and networking she could do with fellow teachers.
“I believe the only way to strengthen and improve the teaching
profession is by working as a community of teachers who are always
looking for ways to reach more students and improve achievement, and
Grand Valley promotes this,” she said.
Kenyon not only enjoys the challenges and rewards of teaching,
she also works hard to create the very best learning environment for
her students. Working with organizations such as the Michigan
Fellowship of Instructional Leaders, the Positive Behavior
Interventions Support Team, and leading the Ottawa Hills Instructional
Leadership Team, Kenyon strives to make the biggest impact possible in
the lives of her students.
“We are not ‘just teachers,’ Kenyon stressed. “We are parents,
counselors, confidants, role models, and big brothers or sisters to
our students. We teach not only our content, but manners, morals,
people skills, and life lessons.”
To help her create this positive environment in the classroom,
Kenyon uses homemade games, in-class discussion, and hands-on activities.
“Above all else, I want to make learning interesting and fun,”
she said. “These activities all help me stimulate learning and engage
my students.”
Now that her roots are firmly established, Kenyon’s branches are
extending even further. She is currently working on a website and blog
with which fellow teachers throughout Michigan can discuss new ideas
that will help improve education state and nation-wide. As Michigan
Teacher of the Year, Kenyon will sit on the State Board of Education
as a non-voting member. She will give a voice to teachers all over the
state of Michigan. In the fall, Kenyon will also visit the Whitehouse
to meet the President. Follow her progress at www.bobbijokenyon.com.
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