This school year has brought with it many new beginnings for students and faculty. It is difficult saying goodbye to many long-time faculty members, and Central is sad to see them go. However, when old members leave, new faces and new stories appear. Central is ecstatic to welcome the new teachers this school year.

Kimberley Weems is the new algebra I teacher, and while this is her first year at Central, it is not her first year teaching. She previously taught in Santa Fe, New Mexico for 26 years and has taught for three years in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She has experience in all fifth grade subjects, as well as seventh grade math, biology, physics, and Earth science. Weems also taught algebra I, algebra II, geometry, and consumer math.

Before beginning her career as a teacher, Weems earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and mathematics from the College of Santa Fe as well as another bachelor’s degree from the the University of New Mexico. She also has a master’s in education, with an emphasis on STEM, from New Mexico Tech.

Weems has had a continuous passion for teaching and a love for children.

“I’ve always been a school girl,” she explained, “When I started working in the chemistry field, I immediately realized that I would not be satisfied working in a lab. I love children and had become a mother by that time. It was a natural choice for me to take my love of math and use it for my career. I have have never regretted that decision.”

Weems said she has experienced many memorable moments teaching. One of them involved an old student of hers, who lives in Santa Fe, named Gabe.

“He was across the hall from me in a self-contained classroom,” Weems said, “He could not read very well, but he begged to join my class. I worked with him, and he was a whiz at algebra. Even after he graduated, he always gave me a hug and bragged [about] where he was in life… It was such a joy for me.”

Weems is an experienced and invested teacher, who enjoys the challenge that comes with teaching.

“I like to invent new ways to teach old things,” she said. “This job is never boring.”

She believes that everyone can succeed and would like her students to understand that they can overcome difficulties in math by being present and persistent.

“If you keep trying, it will eventually happen,” Weems encouraged.