Pamela Kennedy

PPK Bio for TpT (updated 8-12-2022) In 1990 BC (Before Children), my husband and I founded an art company specializing in high-grade commercial photography, and pen & ink illustration. I was the illustrator, creating detailed designs by hand. National card companies turned my pieces into greeting cards, stationery, and wrapping paper, and sold them throughout the US. By 1995, I was able to keep up some of the work as a stay-at-home mom, but my priorities shifted to childcare. In 2001, I entered the world of elementary school along with my two children. Beginning as a parent volunteer in the classrooms, I was then elected as Co-President of our PTA. The next year, the principal hired me as a temporary librarian for four hours a week. The following year, I became an educational assistant for eight hours a week; the next year, 16 hours; the year after that, 32 hours. At that point, my principal sat me down and stated that he felt I ought to get my master's degree in teaching. I balked. I was content with my position. I believed I was too old to start something new that would require such a commitment of time, money, and energy. In 2008, budget cuts mandated that many educational assistant positions be cut. I was one of those individuals. Thankfully, my principal was able to place me as a para-educator in our special education department. He sat me down one more time, and asked me, "Where do you see yourself in five years? Will you still be happy even though you won't be in charge of your own classroom?" I mulled that over for a very long time. I decided to return to graduate school to obtain my degree. I entered an accelerated program in order to complete the work in 18 months. I doubled-up my course load and was able to graduate within a year. For the summer of 2010, I taught kindergarten in a district program where a new curriculum was used in hopes of getting struggling students up to benchmark. That fall, my principal hired me to teach kindergarten, and for the first time, I had my very own classroom. I loved it! I delved back into my art. I incorporated a great many drawings for wall displays, art lessons, and Work Time Centers. In 2011, my principal asked me to move up to third grade. I was excited to take the challenge. Once again, this afforded me the opportunity to I design more new pieces for my class. After six years, I returned to kindergarten and thoroughly enjoyed my time back with five year olds. In June of 2022, I retired from the classroom and moved to California to join my husband. I hope that you will find something that works for you and your students. If you don't see anything that's just right, feel free to ask for something specific. It might just be a piece of work I've been waiting to create!

As a teacher, I respectfully encouraged children to be the best possible individual they could be. I was playful yet firm, understanding that I set the tone in the classroom. I believe the learning climate is critical. Students observe, model and imitate their teachers. I want to continue to be a positive influence, helping to build self-confidence so students are willing to take risks. Regardless of the setting, I strive to be dedicated and enthusiastic about my work every day. Parents have noted that I “lead by example with compassion, positivity, and joyfulness.”

The Williams Cup, 1982: "Given annually to a boy who, having been in the Academy four years, has, by his personal qualities, brought distinction to Phillips Exeter." (I was the first female to receive this award.)

Graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy, 1982. Graduate of Amherst College, 1986. MAT Warner Pacific College, 2009.

http://mskennedyroom4.blogspot.com/ http://pinterest.com/p2kennedy/boards/