We’re excited to introduce Lucy Kirkley, a new 7th-grade English teacher at Spring Forest Middle School.
Ms. Kirkley's journey from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to our district highlights her passion for education and her excitement to embrace Houston’s vibrant culture. Her dedication to nurturing a curious and supportive learning environment reflects the best of what Spring Branch ISD (SBISD)stands for. If you're inspired to join our dedicated team, visit the Team SBISDwebsite and explore opportunities under the APPLY section!
Welcome aboard, Ms. Kirkley! We’re #SBISDProud of you and all our incredible staff!
Question:Where do you teach, what grade level, and where?
Answer:I teach 7th-grade English at Spring Forest Middle School.
Question:What do you like about teaching English?
Answer:I love teaching English because we work on the fundamentals, like writing essays and journaling, and I can help students think outside the box. Students open their minds to new and different ways of thinking through reading and discussing books.
Question:What is your teaching philosophy?
Answer:I think it’s essential for kids—especially middle school students—to ask questions. I never want a student to shy away from asking a question if they are unclear about a concept or need help. It’s the only way they will learn.
Question:Where are you from originally?
Answer:I’m originally from Jackson Hole, Wyoming. My childhood was marked by adventures in nature, with stunning backdrops of national parks forming a part of my everyday life. These iconic locations, which you often see on the set of Yellowstone, served as more than just stunning backgrounds; they became my playground. I visited all those national parks every weekend growing up.
Question:What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
Answer:Living in a small town in a small state naturally led me to attend the University of Wyoming, our only university! It was during these formative years that I discovered my passion for teaching. In those small towns, I grew close with all my teachers and genuinely enjoyed helping my peers in the classroom. Encouraged by friends who consistently told me I would make an excellent teacher, I decided to dive into education when I arrived at college. I threw my heart and soul into teaching, and I loved it!
Question:What do you love most about teaching?
Answer:My favorite part of teaching is when a concept or an idea “clicks.” It’s fun and rewarding to see students’ brains at work.
Question:What drew you to SBISD?
Answer:As I neared the completion of obtaining my degree, I felt a strong pull to expand my horizons beyond Wyoming. The desire for new experiences and cultural exploration drove me to seek challenging and inspiring opportunities. The quest led me to explore a collaboration between the University of Wyoming and Spring Branch ISD, which offered me a student teaching position. In the spring of 2024, I moved to Houston and worked at Westchester Academy for International Studies. At Westchester, I was able to experience the diverse student body and the international focus of the school, which I found to be enriching and inspiring. I fell in love with the community aspect and the small-town feel of Spring Branch.
Question:How do you think you align with SBISD’s Core Values?
Answer:The warmth of the Spring Branch community resonated deeply with me, echoing the supportive environment I cherished growing up. However, my connection to the district goes beyond just community; it reflects mypersonalvalues.
Throughout my life, I have been an inquisitive student—always asking questions, driven by a thirst for knowledge. This natural curiosity fueled my passion for creating a welcoming classroom where my students can thrive.
I want to ensure that my students feel comfortable in my class.It’s essential for them to expandtheir knowledge and ease their anxieties throughout the learning process. My belief in fostering an open dialogue aligns perfectly with the SBISD valueof Limitless Curiosity.I feel connected to that value.
Question:What are you looking forward to this school year?
Answer:This year, I look forward to defining my teaching style. When I was student teaching, I tended to mimic the educators I was observing. Now that I have my classroom, I’m excited about the freedom to confidently state who I am as a teacher.
Question:What do you like the most about Houston?
Answer:When I’m not teaching, I enjoy exploring Houston's rich cultural scene. I love visiting the museums in the Museum District and browsing the local bookstores. Houston’s diverse food scene, including the amazing HEB, has also been a delightful discovery. And surprisingly, I'm liking the city's heat and humidity!
