In the latest episode of the Hornet Hive podcast, host Dr. Christopher Lewis sat down with Kara Bahmer, a dedicated 3rd grade teacher at Explorer Elementary in the Williamston School District. Through their insightful conversation, Kara shared her remarkable journey from teaching in the Dominican Republic to finding her place in the vibrant community of Williamston. Let's delve deeper into the key themes that emerged during their discussion. Embracing Diversity: Kara's experience teaching in the Dominican Republic provided her with a unique perspective on diversity and cultural inclusivity in the classroom. She highlighted the importance of recognizing and incorporating students' cultural backgrounds into their learning experience. By fostering a supportive environment that celebrates diversity, Kara creates a space where students feel seen and valued for who they are. Her approach underscores the significance of building connections beyond the classroom, whether by attending students' extracurricular activities or engaging with parents on a personal level. Transitioning Back to the US System: Transitioning back to the US education system after years abroad presented Kara with both challenges and opportunities. She reflected on the differences between teaching in the Dominican Republic and in Williamston, emphasizing the support system and collaborative spirit that define the school community. In Williamston, Kara found a network of colleagues and administrators who offer guidance, resources, and a sense of belonging, ultimately preventing burnout and fostering a strong sense of community. The Joy of Teaching 3rd Grade: Kara's enthusiasm for teaching 3rd grade shone through as she discussed the unique joys of working with students at this pivotal age. She emphasized the transition from learning to read to reading to learn, marking a significant milestone in students' academic journey. Witnessing her students' growth, independence, and self-discovery fuels Kara's passion for teaching and inspires her to create a nurturing environment where students can thrive and develop into confident learners and leaders. Sustaining Through Challenges: Navigating the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic during her early years in Williamston, Kara found sustenance in the unwavering support of her peers and the school community. She highlighted the invaluable role of collaboration, mentorship, and a shared sense of purpose in overcoming challenges and adapting to new teaching methods. The resilience and solidarity displayed by the Williamston team during challenging times exemplify the strength of their collective commitment to student success. Impactful Moments in Teaching: Kara shared a poignant story from her first year of teaching that encapsulates the profound impact educators can have on their students. A small gesture of kindness and understanding towards a struggling student resonated deeply, illustrating the significance of building meaningful relationships and showing compassion in the classroom. This anecdote serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting influence teachers can wield and the transformative power of empathy in education. Kara Bahmer's journey as an educator embodies the essence of dedication, empathy, and community in shaping young minds. Her unwavering commitment to embracing diversity, fostering relationships, and creating a supportive learning environment reflects the heart of teaching. As Kara continues to inspire and uplift her students, her story serves as a testament to the profound impact teachers can have on the lives of those they teach. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:19]: Welcome back to the Hornet Hive. I'm your host, doctor Christopher Lewis, one of the members of the Williamston Community Schools Board of Education. Really excited to have you back again this week. This week, as always, I love being able to share the good news, share the good news about our district, about the things that are happening within our district, about the people that are a part of our district because it's important. It's important for you to get to know the people that are interacting with our students and are working with our students, helping our students, the teachers, the staff, and others that are doing amazing things within our schools. And this week, we got another great guest. Kara Boehmer is with us today. And Kara is a 3rd grade teacher at Explorer Elementary. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:04]: And I'm really excited to be able to get to know her a little bit better and for you to get to know her as well. Kara, thanks so much for being here today. Kara Bahmer [00:01:10]: Yes. Thanks so much for having me. I've enjoyed listening to podcasts about the other teachers. So I'm excited to share a little bit about my own story. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:18]: Well, let's walk back in time a little bit. And I said you're a 3rd grade teacher here at Explorer Elementary. But what ...
