BEA teacher Kim Sickler, right, holds the Teacher of the Year Award she received last week.

Blue Earth Area (BEA) Teacher of the Year Kim Sickler will have the surreal experience of watching her first-ever class of first graders don caps and gowns on June 4.

The veteran teacher has certainly found her home in BEA Elementary School’s first grade corridor, where she taught the Class of 2023 in 2011 – her first year of teaching.

However, Sickler was a Buccaneer long before she began her teaching career.

“I was lucky to land a teaching position in my home district,” the Winnebago native reflects. To this day, she looks upon the teachers she grew up with as a source of inspiration.

“I was fortunate to have awesome elementary teachers in Winnebago that cared so much,” Sickler says. “My middle school and high school teachers at Blue Earth Area, too. They cared about what they did, and it showed.” 

She adds, “Apart from my parents, my teachers stood out as my mentors. I looked up to them. Why not join the club?” 

And, that is exactly what she did.

After Sickler graduated from BEA High School in 2003, she earned her degree in elementary education from Minnesota State University-Mankato and, later, her Master’s in education from Southwest Minnesota State University.

Though Sickler dedicated years to the study of education, she says her experience in the classroom has taught her just as much as, if not more than, her coursework.

Apart from her own childhood teachers, Sickler names her sister, Lisa Jackson, as the person who influenced her decision to become an educator. It was in Jackson’s special education classroom that Sickler gained her first real teaching experience.

“Throughout college, I subbed in my sister’s classroom as a para,” Sickler explains. “It was so beneficial to see her students’ differences, and learn to be accommodating.” 

Soon after, Sickler returned to her old stomping grounds to sub for the BEA School District, and other districts in the area. She secured her current position as a BEA first grade teacher in 2011.

Even after over 11 years of teaching the same standards for the same grade in the same school district, Sickler says she has yet to experience the same two days in a row.

“Every day is different,” she laughs.

Sickler thrives on the unpredictable, and often humorous perspective first graders lend to life.

“They’re absolutely hilarious,” she says.

However, Sickler’s favorite thing about her young students is their unconditional kindness toward one another.

“These kids don’t see socioeconomic status,” she explains. “Their friendships are genuine – they don’t have that bias. They don’t care about who has what. They care about each other. That’s awesome about this age group.” 

Sickler also praises the Blue Earth Area community for its positive influence on her students.

“The amount of pride our community has filters down to our kids,” she observes. “It’s rewarding to live in a district where the students are valued.” 

Sickler’s recent recognition as BEA’s Teacher of the Year suggests her school district, and community, value her just as much as she values them.

Sickler was nominated, and then selected by her colleagues for the honor. Among other things, her co-workers’ nomination forms described Sickler as a true professional who brings a positive attitude to everything she does for the district – which is a lot.

“She is super involved in so many ways at our school,” one colleague wrote.

Another co-worker said, “Her caring attitude lets all kids know that they are appreciated.” 

The admiration is mutual. Sickler says her colleagues are an integral part of her success as a teacher.

“Your co-workers listen, and bring you up,” she explains. “When times are tough, I’m fortunate to work with some pretty awesome staff members, who have become more of a work family.” 

When asked what she believes is the biggest challenge facing educators today, Sickler answers, “Technology, with capital letters.” 

Quick to acknowledge that technology can be a great asset to both kids and adults, Sickler also admits that, unfortunately, it has a palpable effect on children’s attention spans.

“Everything (in technology) is on demand, and in an educational setting, you do have to wait, and be patient,” Sickler says. “Technology is the biggest blessing, and curse.” 

Overall, however, Sickler loves what she does, particularly because it aligns so well with her role as a parent.

Sickler, who has three children – Caden, Cooper and Camden – explains that teaching allows her to keep the same schedule as her kids. She is able spend quality time with both them and her husband, Calvin, after school and throughout the summer.

“If you’re a family-oriented person, (teaching) is the best schedule,” Sickler says.

She concludes, “You’ll never have another career that is so rewarding. Kids are amazing.” 

And, apparently, Sickler’s enthusiasm for education is contagious. She adds, with a smile, “I even convinced my dad (Jeff Slama) to start subbing.”