This is the second article in a series of profiles about each finalist for Virginia Beach City Public Schools’ 2022 Citywide Teacher of the Year. The citywide winner will be announced in early May.
-by S. Woodward
Kimberly Nurse has served 15 years as a special education teacher for Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS). She worked at Seatack Elementary School and Landstown High School before coming to Kempsville High School in 2018, where she recently accepted a new position as Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) coordinator and teacher.
“I teach because I believe in the power of each of my students to grow and become productive member of society,” wrote Nurse in her Teacher of the Year application. “I believe in their stories, dreams and wishes and will do all that I can to help them realize that they are here for a purpose. I will celebrate their victories and help them learn from their disappointments. Teaching is my superpower.”
Kempsville’s principal, Melissa George, marvels at Nurse’s talents. “Her passion for AVID, helping students, and supporting teachers is unmatched,” she says. “She provides trainings for teachers, so they can effectively implement AVID strategies to support student learning. She engages all the students in her AVID classes, even in this virtual world. In this virtual setting, students are willing to tum their cameras on, engage in conversations, and collaborate with their peers. This doesn’t just happen. Mrs. Nurse has established a learning environment, both virtually and when students were in person, where students feel safe and respected.”
Nurse has also served as Student Council Association advisor, class sponsor, cooperating teacher, AVID mentor, Partners in Education liaison, administrative intern, and a Principal’s Advisory Committee member. In 2019, Mrs. Nurse was instrumental in planning, coordinating, and overseeing the African American Male Summit at Kempsville High School. This successful event hosted several hundred middle and high school attendees and brought together students, educators, and community leaders to explore the theme of “destiny.” Nurse also helped students found the city’s first Black Student Union at Kempsville High School.
“No matter what Kim Nurse is involved in,” Principal George says, “she puts all her energy into making it the best experience. She is the KHS Energizer bunny!”