Bethel-Tate Local School District is proud to celebrate William Bick Primary School teacher Kim Click as the inaugural recipient of the William Bick Excellence in Education Award, presented by the Bethel American Legion Post 406.
This meaningful recognition honors educators who embody the dedication, compassion, and commitment that define excellence in teaching - qualities Principal Greg Chandler says Kim Click demonstrates every single day in her classroom and throughout the school community.
Mrs. Click’s impact extends far beyond academics. Through her passion for teaching, unwavering support of students, and commitment to helping every child succeed, she exemplifies the very best of Bethel-Tate Schools and the lasting influence great educators have on young lives.
The district is also deeply grateful to the Bethel American Legion for its continued support and partnership with Bethel-Tate Schools. For many years, the American Legion has been a steadfast friend to our students, staff, and community, investing in programs and opportunities that strengthen our schools and honor the values of service, leadership, and citizenship. Their support continues to help shape new opportunities for students, including leadership initiatives such as the district’s emerging JROTC program.
We thank the Bethel American Legion for recognizing excellence in education and congratulate Mrs. Kim Click on this well-deserved honor.
Below is Principal Greg Chandler’s nomination letter submitted on behalf of Mrs. Click.
I selected Kim Click as the recipient of the William Bick Excellence in Education Award because she represents all of the qualities in an educator that would make Mr. William Bick proud. She is passionate, patient, persistent, prepared, and most of all protective.
Kim possesses all of these qualities that make her an excellent choice. She has a passion that comes through in her teaching, her personal interactions with students, and her involvement in building-wide events. Monday through Friday, August through May, Kim exudes the very passion that we hope to instill in our students as they progress through school, so in many ways, Kim consistently models what she expects from her students.
Her patience, a quality that is critically important to making an impact as a teacher, extends far beyond the “wait time” teachers are encouraged to give their students. Because of this, she is able to capture thoughts and ideas from her students that in many cases would have never seen the light of day, if not for her patience. Young children have so much they want to share, both on and off topic, and need someone that is willing to listen. Kim is that person.
Her persistence to get the job done, regardless of circumstances, is a characteristic that shines through at the end of the school year when reflecting on progress her students made. Often times, it is not just found in the visible data, but is seen when you look a little deeper at where a student started the year, and where they are finishing. Kim is able to find success in students of all ability levels because of her persistence and refusal to give up on any child.
In order to successfully meet the year long requirements of any grade level, a teacher must always be prepared. There is not time to “wing it” on a given day as the students, especially in Kindergarten, can sense unpreparedness, and quickly get off task. Through many classroom visits, it is very evident that Kim is consistently prepared each day, and even when caught off guard by an unexpected change, she is able to proceed forward without losing a step.
The last and many would say most important quality that Kim possesses is her protectiveness of her students. If you are a student in her class, she makes certain that you always feel safe, cared about, and valued. Over the years, Kim has had a wide variety of students enter her classroom. Their personalities, needs, learning styles, level of support, and interests are as far as the east is from the west. However, one common trait that all her students share is they know their teacher always has their back and will make certain they are cared for as a parent would their own child.
It is for these reasons and many more that Kim Click is an excellent choice to be the first recipient of the William Bick Excellence in Education Award
Greg Chandler
Principal-William Bick Primary