MANCHESTER, N.H.- When you walk through the door of Kimberly Lynch's kindergarten classroom at Green Acres Elementary, the bright decorations and rainbows of paper chains dangling from the ceiling are a clear indicator that you've entered a special space where students come first.
Lynch is one of 11 semifinalists from across the state for the 2027 New Hampshire Teacher of the Year award. While the honor is a huge one, it’s one the humble 18 year veteran of education hasn’t talked about very much.
“I actually didn’t tell my students,” Lynch said, “I don’t want it to ever seem like it’s bragging.”
Lynch said the process has been a learning experience for her. Once she learned of her nomination, she filled out an application of consideration to the Department of Education. From there, a selection committee made up of former Teachers of the Year, local business representatives, the Deputy Commissioner of Education and the Teacher of the Year Coordinator narrowed down the 100+ teacher list to about 50. From there, the teachers all attended a luncheon where they attended a full day of workshops and interviews. The group was then narrowed down to 11 semifinalists, including Lynch.
After being named a semifinalist, Lynch had to give a TED Talk-style presentation for her fellow teachers and Teacher of the Year selection committee. She spoke about her philosophy and mission statement, which is posted on her wall for all to see.
It says ‘I will L.E.A.R.N. all children every day. Love, educate, appreciate, respect, nurture.’
“As teachers, we need to come back into the love we have for teaching. We need to educate ourselves in order to do that, and appreciate the gifts we have… And celebrate the small wins, everything makes a difference.”
Lynch, who has worked at Green Acres for the past four years, says working with kids is all she’s ever wanted to do, serving as a Sunday school teacher when she was younger before teaching preschoolers for a time before stepping away to raise a family of her own. When she returned to the classroom, it was as if the magic never left.
“I think I’m just a giant kid. I like to have fun with them, I like to educate them, and I’m curious. If they have questions, I say ‘Okay, let’s go find that out!’”
That includes a lesson in persuasive arguments that once led to a garden outside of her classroom window.
“The students wrote letters to persuade the principal to let us have a garden. After that, they broke into groups to write letters to local businesses who donated money and supplies to the cause.”
“For years, the students would come in during the summer to water and harvest. It was great. And now that group is in college!”
For her students this year, the interest is animals. After entering a contest, the classroom received supplies and eggs to hatch up to a dozen baby chicks.
“We learned about farms and chickens. I talked to them about the incubator and the life cycle of chickens. They’re very excited!”
The Department of Education says Teacher of the Year candidates need to be exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled in the classroom, while being poised, articulate and possessing the energy to work under a taxing schedule who can help speak for and energize the teaching profession statewide while maintaining a full classroom load.
“Kimberly is a perfect example of all the great things happening in education," says Green Acres Principal Mike Beaulac. "She uses inquiry-based teaching and play-based learning to engage students while creating authentic learning opportunities for all of her students. She is well deserving of this recognition.”
“We take great pride in celebrating Mrs. Lynch’s accomplishments,” said Nicole Doherty, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching, Learning and Leading. “She exemplifies what it means to be an educator. Her passion, creativity and care have shaped the lives of countless children throughout her career who continue to think fondly of their time in her classroom.”
The 2027 Teacher of the Year will be announced in June before the school year wraps up.
For more information on the NH Teacher of the Year program, click here.