Walter gets an A + 5th grade teacher named District Teacher of the Year
Pierce County District teacher of the year Kim Walter has always loved how science “makes learning tangible, meaningful and often a little messy— in the best way.” That passion for both science and the messiness of hands-on learning was officially recognized when Walter was named Pierce County’s teacher of the year.
“Science isn’t just a subject— it’s a way of thinking.
It encourages questioning, exploration, experimentation and critical thinking. I love that science gives students the tools to discover answers for themselves and helps them realize that failure is part of the process, not the end of it,” Walter says. “There’s something incredibly exciting about watching students connect a concept they’ve learned to something in their daily lives—whether it’s understanding how a circuit makes their phone work or how ecosystems stay balanced.”
Walter earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania. She also has . £
several endorsements on her teaching certificate: Gifted and Talented Education (GATE), English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Elementary Agricultural Education.
Describing herself as a veteran teacher, Walter has taught in Georgia for 19 years and has been with Midway Elementary School since its doors opened in 2010. Prior to coming to Georgia, Walter taught in Florida for six years.
“I have taught all subjects but currently teach 5th grade Science and Social Studies,” says Walter. “I also teach an Ag class two days a week for third through fifth graders” When asked if any specific teachers inspired her to join the profession, Walter says she had some really good teachers on her journey, but names one in p a r - ticular. “Mr. Fisher, my seventh grade V ^ science teacher. He had this contagious energy and a genuine passion for science that made every class exciting. Whether we were launching bottle rockets or just talking about atoms, he found a way to make the content come alive,” recalls Walter. “What stuck with me most wasn’t See just what he taught, but how he made us feel—curious, capable and excited to learn more. His love for science sparked something in me, and now I try to bring that same sense of wonder and fun into my own classroom every day.”
Kim Walter teaches science at Midway Elementary School.
Walter says she tries to bring that sense of excitement and hands on learning to her own lessons. The initiative that means the most to her has been the development of MES’s school garden, chicken coop and most recently, greenhouse. “Students love getting to help feed the chickens and maintain the chicken coop. Students have responsibilities like cleaning out the coop, taking food scraps and collecting the eggs each day,” says Walter. “These initiatives represent my belief that learning should be active, inclusive and grounded in real life.”
Walter also began a school-wide Ag Day event to help kids at MES see the importance of agriculture in their local community and everyday lives.
MES principal Brandi Todd describes Walter as an exceptional educator whose passion, innovation and dedication have a profound impact on both the school and the wider community.
“I have had the privilege of observing her dedication, innovation, and exceptional contributions to our school and community for over 15 years,” says Todd. “Mrs. Walter’s ability to build meaningful relationships with students is unparalleled. Her genuine care and commitment to their success, both academically and personally, creates a nurturing environment where they can thrive.”
Acknowledging teacher of the year as a great honor, Walter sees it as more than just a title. “It’s a reflection of the love I have for my students, the support of my colleagues and the incredible community I’m proud to be part of,” she says. “I’m truly humbled and deeply grateful.”
As for the 2025-2026 school year, Walter already has more of that vital, hands-on learning planned for her students. “We finally have our greenhouse up and ready to go for this year’s growing season. The greenhouse will allow us to continue growing crops and flowers during colder months, expanding our hands-on learning opportunities throughout the year,“ says Walter. “So we will continue to grow our Ag program and do more work in the greenhouse and continuously add more baby chicks to our coop!”
Walter has been married to her husband Ralph, for 20 years. She also has two step-daughters, Felicia and Marlena, and two grandchildren, Baylee and Liam.
Teachers of the Year for other campuses in the system included Lindsey Thomas of Blackshear Elementary, Ivy Mock of Patterson Elementary, Taylor Collins of Pierce County Middle School and Chrisie Mooneyhan of Pierce County High School.
