Teacher Tuesday 19: Kimica Bland! 4th Grade Math Teacher at Beta Academy.

In the photo above, Kimica checks in with her 4th grader who is working to compare fractions. I could barely snap a photo of Kimica because she wizzes around the room so quickly in order to reach every student for constant checks for understanding! 

"Kimica goes above and beyond for her students and team. She works tirelessly to teach high rigor 4th grade math content while filling in foundational gaps to reach all 94 of her students. And that is no easy task! Yet, she does it all with a positive attitude. She inspires her colleagues to ask "what more can I do?" as she consistently goes the extra yard for her students. Kimica rocks. 4th grade is so lucky to have her!!"

"Kimika makes an effort to connect with every student in her class.  She keeps a calm cool demeanor and her class has a consistently focused feel.  Kimika is also always working to develop her craft.  Whether it is digging into the writing process with her coach or deeply exploring common core math (she takes multiple methods of solving a problem to heart) Kimika is always striving to give her students her best and every opportunity to access grade level work!"

All about Kimica:
I grew up in Richmond, California, in a single-parent home with five incredible sisters. I have been in the Bay Area my entire life, attending Stege Elementary, Portola Middle School (Koremastu) and then graduating from El Cerrito High School. I graduated from Cal State Eastbay with a degree in Business Administration and a Minor in Criminal Justice. I previously spent most of my time working as an Administrative Assistant and in Customer Service. This type of work didn’t hold my interest! A few months after I graduated CSUEB, I decided to take a job as a part time afterschool instructor. It was then when I found out what my purpose was in the world. I have always been passionate about my community and helping others. It wasn’t until a part-time job that I found out who I wanted to help. There is no greater joy than teaching and building positive relationships with students!

A recent interview with Kimica: 

What is your favorite thing about teaching 4th grade at Beta? 
I live for the a-ha moments and the growth each student makes throughout the year.

What was your favorite subject growing up? 
My favorite subject growing up was most definitely Math.  

Did you always think you were going to become a teacher? 
No! I thought I was going to become a Lawyer. I guess social justice and advocacy came in a different form; through teaching. 

Favorite candy bar or sweet treat?
Hmmmm. I would say a Twix or Nutrageous. 

If you could go on a dream vacation, what would you do + where would you go? 
I would love to go to Japan to ride the bullet train (Shinkansen) and to attend some fashion shows!

What is your favorite thing about the Bay Area (or specifically about Richmond!)? 
Diversity is my favorite thing about the Bay Area. Second, would be the food. You can have just about anything here!  I love Richmond -- it is my home, and it always will be!

What is one fun fact that most people don't know about you?
A fun fact that most people don’t know about me is that I love sports! Another fun fact is that I love to cook, I find it to be very therapeutic!