It was a regular morning in Kim DeWit’s classroom until she was pleasantly surprised by representatives from Mrs. Baird’s and United Supermarkets as they named her the Elementary Teacher on the Rise winner for September.  

The Mrs. Baird's Teachers on the Rise award is a monthly teacher recognition program across the Lubbock area where students can nominate their teachers for going above and beyond.  Each month a different teacher is selected from elementary school, middle school, and high school. 

Danielle Walker, a current second-grader and former student of DeWit, nominated her for the Teacher on the Rise Award. In Walker’s nomination she said that DeWit always made her feel seen and loved. 

“She made me feel seen and always listened to me if I was in my emotions and felt sad or scared to be in school,” said Walker. “She helped me to enjoy being at school and it helped me to love being in school and learning now. I’m thankful she is so kind to everyone and not just some students.”  

DeWit received a $100 United Supermarkets gift card, a meal for two to the Texas Tech Club, and a gift box full of Mrs. Baird’s goodies. Walker also received a $50 American Express gift card. 

Being named the Elementary Teacher on the Rise means a lot to DeWit. She shares how encouraging it is to have a former student speak highly on her behalf.  

“Being selected as this month's Mrs. Bairds recipient is a fantastic feeling,” said DeWit. “It means a lot to know that a student from two years ago not only still thinks about me but thinks highly enough to nominate me. Being a teacher on the rise is more than just an award, it's an honor. I am a young teacher with a lot of my career left in me!” 

Although Walker is no longer in her class, it is evident that they share a very special bond. 

“I had Danielle in my class in 2022 and we had a bond like no other. She was funny, kind, and caring,” said DeWit. “Danielle and I shared a lot of the same feelings sometimes, she was scared to be at school for the first time, but little did she know I was also at school for the first time too. Danielle always felt comfortable telling me if something was bothering her, when she had something exciting to share, or even tell me a joke!” 

DeWit has always had a passion for education, even from a young age. She feels that teaching is not only her passion but also her calling 

“When I was in kindergarten one of my classmates dressed up as a teacher and I thought she was the coolest kid ever because of it,” said DeWit. “I on the other hand was dressed as a princess (clearly didn’t work out). After some very hard consideration as a 5-year-old, I figured it would be so fun to teach kids. I practiced being a teacher every day after that. I have a younger brother, so he was always sucked in to being my student. I would create papers and grade them afterwards!” 

DeWit's journey into education has been a unique path, especially considering her family's background in the dairy industry. Despite growing up surrounded by a different line of work, her heart was always set on teaching and making a difference in the lives of young students. 

“I am now in my 3rd year of teaching and could not imagine myself doing anything else! I am the first person in my family to go into education, everyone else still works on the dairy,” said DeWit. “Fun fact, when I would work on the dairy in the summers or anytime, we had a break in school, I always worked with the calves because I thought the younger animals were way more fun than the older!” 

Being a part of the Frenship Family has been very meaningful to DeWit, providing her with a sense of connection and belonging. 

“My favorite part about being in the Frenship Family is meeting all kinds of new friends. I have created an entire new group of friendships that I did not even know could exist. I hang out with my Frenship Family more than my own family," she laughed.  

DeWit will be honored at the Teacher on the Rise celebration at the end of the school year. For information on how you can nominate a Frenship educator for the Mrs. Bairds Teacher on the Rise Award, CLICK HERE. 

Congratulations, Kim DeWit!