‘One in a Million’ Rockford Teacher Celebrated for Her Energy, Passion, & Infectious Personality

She's been singing, dancing, and pushing her students to dance like nobody is watching.  Now, it's our turn to celebrate her as our brand-new Teacher of the Week!

Related: Nominate Your Teacher For Teacher Of The Week

For 25 years, she's been dedicating her career to building confidence in every student and dancer who walks into her studio at West Middle School.  We're proud to honor her this week, alongside her third-year student, Olivia.

97ZOK Teacher of the Week

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Congratulations Kim McLaughlin from West Middle School in Rockford, Illinois.

Olivia Hamilton nominated Kim McLaughlin.  She writes,

My name is Olivia, and I am an eighth grader at West Middle School in the CAPA program. Ms. Kim has been my dance teacher for 3 years. She teaches multi-levels of dance from beginner to advanced. She is a huge part of choreographing our musicals and dance recitals. Ms.Kim welcomes us into her classroom every day with a smile on her face, no matter how she is feeling. She makes us feel loved and appreciated. She helps us grow in dance and pushes us to try new things every day.

Read More: 5 Things From Grade School Only Illinois Kids Remember 

Ms.Kim has a super bright and outgoing personality that no one else has.  She is the one teacher you will hear singing and dancing down the hallways. We get new opportunities all the time, including going on pointe, going on dance field trips to NIU, and more! She always tries her hardest to give us a good time. She has loved me more than any teacher I have ever had, and she always supports me in any decision. She has pushed me to my max every year I have been with her, and she always believes in me. Ms. Kim is retiring this year and has been a principal, dance teacher, in and out of school, and a great friend. Not only is she passionate about dance and the arts, but she is also very passionate about her current and former students. I can’t wait for this year to bring laughter and memories with her!

Related: Rockford Teacher’s Reminds Kids They’re Loved, Seen & Valued

Again, congratulations to Kim McLaughlin for being our Teacher of the Week for the brand-new school year.  As Teacher of the Week, Kim was surprised with a cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes, money to spend at WM Day Spa Salon, and lunch courtesy of Redd Insurance Group.

Here's the full interview with Ms. Kim!

Interview with Kim McLaughlin from West Middle School

You can nominate your favorite teacher HERE. Click HERE to see past Teachers of the Week.