For Quail Valley teacher Sims, teaching is a labor of love
"I believe the brain is incredible," said Ken Sims. "All students can learn, no matter what their capacity is. It just takes ...
http://www.menifee247.com/2018/01/for-quail-valley-teacher-sims-teaching-is-a-labor-of-love.html
"I believe the brain is incredible," said Ken Sims. "All students can learn, no matter what their capacity is. It just takes time to provide systematic instruction in order to help them grow."
For 22 years in the Menifee Union School District, Sims has been doing just that, primarily as a Resource Specialist Position teacher. At Quail Valley Elementary School, Sims works with students who have learning disabilities to help them maximize their potential.
One parent who says Sims has gone "beyond the call of duty" to help her two children progress in school believes he receives more recognition than he gets. She is the one who nominated Sims for our latest Hometown Hero award.
"He's more than just a hero to my kids," Sondra Bunting said about Sims. "He's an amazing teacher. He doesn't just say, 'You're failing and you're on your own.' He told me he could tutor my children and I don't have to pay anything. He will text me and say, 'McKenna is not on track today. Here's what I think we should do.' He's in constant contact if there are any concerns.
"Mr. Sims is so dedicated to his job, on and off the clock. I don’t think he gets enough recognition for all he does. My kids really struggled in some areas and he showed them a way that they are learning better and getting better grades. He has the patience and the understanding that most teachers don’t."
(Above photo: Ken Sims with Sondra Bunting's children, McKenna and Kenyon).
Sims worked with Bunting's son, Kenyon Robinson, from kindergarten until he graduated to middle school. He now teaches Bunting's daughter, fourth grader McKenna Jordan, whom he's had as a student since first grade. Working with McKenna and others both before and after their other school classes and sometimes during the regular school day, he uses creative methods to motivate them and customize teaching to their interests.
"The students can earn play money and then on Friday, he opens his store," Bunting said. "They get to pick from things he buys himself. My son earned like 2,000 tickets and he bought a remote control dinosaur."
Sims says it's all just part of his way of serving others.
"I give money to church," Sims said. "That's called tithing. Well, part of my tithing is at church and part is here at school. I feel privileged that my creator has chosen me to do this."
Sims also tutors part-time at a charter school and makes himself available on weekends if students need extra help.
"Most of the kids I work with need help reading and writing because they're not at grade level," Sims said. "The main part of what I do is take them where they're at and instruct them on their level to help them improve. Sometimes I also do an intervention with a student who hasn't been labeled as learning disabled yet, to try to help them. If a child has a processing deficiency but works hard to earn average grades, why label them?"
This school year might be Sims' last in the district. He said he expects to learn this week whether the district is buying him out, sending him into retirement.
"I know he's not there for the money," Bunting said. "He might be retiring, but I know he doesn't want to."
"I'm humbled by this recognition," Sims said. "I've just tried to do the best I can."
"Hometown Heroes" is a Menifee 24/7 program created to recognize those in our community who truly are making a difference. To nominate someone for consideration, send us a Facebook message, email menifee247info@gmail.com or mail us at 28313 Parkdale Lane, Menifee CA 92584.
For 22 years in the Menifee Union School District, Sims has been doing just that, primarily as a Resource Specialist Position teacher. At Quail Valley Elementary School, Sims works with students who have learning disabilities to help them maximize their potential.
"He's more than just a hero to my kids," Sondra Bunting said about Sims. "He's an amazing teacher. He doesn't just say, 'You're failing and you're on your own.' He told me he could tutor my children and I don't have to pay anything. He will text me and say, 'McKenna is not on track today. Here's what I think we should do.' He's in constant contact if there are any concerns.
"Mr. Sims is so dedicated to his job, on and off the clock. I don’t think he gets enough recognition for all he does. My kids really struggled in some areas and he showed them a way that they are learning better and getting better grades. He has the patience and the understanding that most teachers don’t."
(Above photo: Ken Sims with Sondra Bunting's children, McKenna and Kenyon).
Sims worked with Bunting's son, Kenyon Robinson, from kindergarten until he graduated to middle school. He now teaches Bunting's daughter, fourth grader McKenna Jordan, whom he's had as a student since first grade. Working with McKenna and others both before and after their other school classes and sometimes during the regular school day, he uses creative methods to motivate them and customize teaching to their interests.
Sims says it's all just part of his way of serving others.
"I give money to church," Sims said. "That's called tithing. Well, part of my tithing is at church and part is here at school. I feel privileged that my creator has chosen me to do this."
Sims also tutors part-time at a charter school and makes himself available on weekends if students need extra help.
"Most of the kids I work with need help reading and writing because they're not at grade level," Sims said. "The main part of what I do is take them where they're at and instruct them on their level to help them improve. Sometimes I also do an intervention with a student who hasn't been labeled as learning disabled yet, to try to help them. If a child has a processing deficiency but works hard to earn average grades, why label them?"
This school year might be Sims' last in the district. He said he expects to learn this week whether the district is buying him out, sending him into retirement.
"I know he's not there for the money," Bunting said. "He might be retiring, but I know he doesn't want to."
"I'm humbled by this recognition," Sims said. "I've just tried to do the best I can."
"Hometown Heroes" is a Menifee 24/7 program created to recognize those in our community who truly are making a difference. To nominate someone for consideration, send us a Facebook message, email menifee247info@gmail.com or mail us at 28313 Parkdale Lane, Menifee CA 92584.
