West Junior High Teacher named Middle Level Teacher of the Year

Editor’s Note: The following announcement comes from Hopkins Public Schools.

Hopkins Public Schools is proud to announce that teacher Kim Campbell has been named the Minnesota Middle Level Educator Teacher of the Year by the MMSA (Minnesota Middle School Association). This award recognizes individuals and educators who have demonstrated outstanding service and commitment to quality education for young adolescents. Campbell will be recognized at the MMSA conference on Friday, Dec. 7.

Campbell has worked as a junior high teacher at West Junior High since 1999. During her tenure at Hopkins she has worn many hats. She is the current PBIS coordinator and was recently a Q-Comp master teacher. Campbell is well regarded by the education community. She has authored two books and several articles on subjects ranging from innovative teaching techniques to classroom management strategies. She has also presented at local, national and international educational conferences.

“While every day I see dedicated, talented teachers working hard to help all students be successful, occasionally I see a teacher that goes far beyond what would ever be expected or imagined — Kim Campbell is that teacher,” said Shirley Gregoire, principal at West Junior High.

Campbell is described by her colleagues as a passionate junior-high teacher known for developing strong relationships with her students. It’s through these relationships that she is able to inspire her students to reach a high bar of academic success. As one coworker acknowledged, “she does not accept work or behavior from students that is not their best.” 

“I learned many years ago, that relationships are what matters first — after those are established you can dive into the delivery of rigorous, engaging lessons,” said Campbell. “As I plan my lessons, I always try to incorporate, at least twice a week, some type of fun activity that builds community in my class.”

In the past, Campbell has earned all sorts of accolades that recognize her dedication to teaching and education. She is the recipient of the Fox 9 Top Teacher Award, the WCCO Good Neighbor Award and the Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholarship, Japan. She was also a semifinalist for the Minnesota Teacher of the year. Her most recent book “If You Can’t Manage Them, You Can’t Teach Them,” is considered the gold standard on classroom management.

Although accomplished in so many areas of her career, Campbell shines most brightly in the classroom. She believes her role is to inspire students and have fun doing it, while also serving as a role model for newer teachers.

“I firmly believe that the greatest gift a veteran teacher can give to their school is to be a positive voice in times of cynicism and doubt, to listen, model, and encourage young teachers,” said Campbell.  

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