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Ms. Kathleen Kinney, KinneyK@district279.org
Where did you go to school and what is your previous job experience? I did my undergraduate work at the University of Minnesota right here in Minneapolis. I attended CLA (The College of Liberal Arts) and received my Bachelor's degree in English in 2000. I have also been attending Augsburg College since 2003. I have completed my teaching licensure work there, and am nearly finished with my Master's degree. Before my days at Park Center began, I was a substitute teacher for the Minnetonka School District for nearly five years. I also did some private tutoring, worked for Sylvan Leaning Center, and worked as volunteer in a few different academic settings. It's really nice to be in one place everyday now! When did you begin working at Park Center? I began working at Park Center on December 5, 2005, the beginning of 2nd trimester. What is your teaching philosophy? My teaching philosophy is based on the constructivist theory, which embraces a student centered approach to learning. I believe that learning is an active, interpersonal experience, and that it is dependent on students' different cultural values at school, home, work and leisure time. I enjoy classes where students actively learn together through conversation, problem posing, questioning, and other interactive forms -- including technology -- in order to affect genuine critical thinking skills. Why did you choose your profession? Most teachers teach because they really like kids. That is true for me too! In addition to that, I really like teaching older students. To be able to go to my job everyday and interact with young adults from such a wide range of interests and cultural diversity, and apply those personal experiences to literature -- and hear what students think, has got to be the best job in the world! What is your favorite quote? "We never know how high we are Till we are asked to rise; And then, if we are true to plan, Our statures touch the skies." -Emily Dickinson In what room(s) can you commonly be found? I can commonly be found in room 224. Additional Comments(hobbies)? My favorite hobby is traveling. I have visited almost every state in the U.S., but I would love to travel abroad more. Outside of the U.S., I have so far traveled to Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Advice for students going to college? Pick a major or a field of study that you really enjoy! You will have a much happier, more meaningful life, if you do something you don't mind getting up for everyday! Also, don't be intimated by a large university! You will quickly find your way around, and you will find that there is so much to do! Biggest pet peeve? My biggest pet peeve is when people don't do what they're supposed to do, and then blame others for their choices. Sum up your career at Park Center in one word Fascinating. If you were required to find a different job than what you are currently doing, what would you choose? I believe that I would always have a job in public service of some kind. I love languages, so perhaps I would be good at helping immigrants get the information they need when they arrive in the United States.
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