Kimberly McCallum
Kimberly McCallum is a second-grade teacher at Liberty STEM Elementary in Sapulpa, Oklahoma.
In her role leading the STEM club, she organizes three trips per year with students, including a drive down to NASA in Texas, and flying trips to Florida, Alabama and South Dakota. As one of her students said in a nomination, “It’s not just about what she does inside the classroom but what she did to make sure all of us were included and had fun while away from our family.”
From a Nominator:
What qualities make this educator deserving of this award?
As a parent who has had two children in this club at Liberty, it gave both my children an opportunity to see outside of Oklahoma. Liberty is a Title 1 school and not a lot of parents, like myself, are able to afford this type of opportunity for my children. With the help of the fundraising, donations, and sponsors, Miss McCallum goes above and beyond to give all the children at the school and in STEM Club the chance to be a part of this club. My daughter and son, who are now 12 and 15 years old still talk about the experience within the club, the traveling, and the memories that Miss McCallum has given them while being in STEM Club and in her 2nd grade class. She makes learning fun and she does it effortlessly and always with the most caring and loving heart. Top it all off with the biggest smile on her face, she is and has always been a complete blessing to be in our lives.
From Kimberly McCallum:
What is the greatest lesson you or your students have learned from your trips?
Say yes. When opportunities come along, take them. As a teacher I organized my first student trip knowing that planning was vital. Twenty-two trips later, I understand that flexibility is too. The activities and experiences that unexpectedly appear before us should not be ignored just to follow what appears on paper.
One of my fifth-grade students learned to say yes in the face of fear standing in line at Hollywood Studios. Simultaneously excited to try a new ride and terrified to try a new ride, she wavered back and forth. We talked about fear and how it wants to be in control. That day she decided not to let it. Grabbing my arm and letting out a scream, she conquered fear. She didn’t love the ride, but she loved the feeling of looking fear in the face and saying, “Not today.”
Why are you passionate about student travel?
Making the STEM on the Road learning trips available to students provides opportunities and experiences that cannot be matched in the classroom. Students get hands-on experiences that increase engagement and understanding, develop critical thinking and problem solving, and encourage creativity. All that they see and do brings clarity to previous learning and provides a foundation for future topics. Books hold a wealth of information, but it is through doing that we make meaning of that information.
Learning happens best rooted in relationships and shared experiences provide the most impactful educational opportunities. Traveling with my elementary-aged students gives them a unique opportunity to develop relationships with their peers and teachers while on a grand adventure. Watching students grow in confidence and cheer along their classmates as they do the same is pure joy!
What is a major highlight from any of your student travel experiences?
On our first trip to Arizona, we participated in a ranger-led tour and lesson at the Grand Canyon. At a certain point, she had the children cover their eyes and led them to an overlook. At her count, the second to fifth graders uncovered their eyes and got their first glimpse of the Grand Canyon. There was a collective gasp, then complete silence…with unbridled excitement close on its heels. The awe and wonder that overcame them is something I will never forget.
How do you try to tie your travel experiences back into the classroom?
Since I teach our youngest STEM on the Road travelers, the seven- and eight-year-old second graders, much of their classroom experience takes place prior to the trip. Throughout the school year, I am able to connect content we are learning to things they will experience when we travel. This helps build the excitement needed to outweigh the nervousness over leaving home for the first time at such a young age. During the trip, they will often reference back to those conversations and classroom lessons.
Photo courtesy of Kimberly McCallum.