Wednesday's Woman: Kim Hamman

Kim Hamman’s interest in leadership began in her formative years and just got stronger with time.

“I was kind of a bossy one in elementary school,” said Hamman, 32, ’s teacher of the year and a finalist for Gwinnett County Teacher of the Year, with a laugh. “When you get older, you learn to tweak that.”

This coming fall, Hamman, who teaches ninth grade gifted biology, will be one of three advisors working with the student government association, helping members expand their leadership traits.

“It’s a large club, almost 300 students,” she said.  She’s eager to be part of the team “making a positive impact and changing the school for the better.”

The task fits in perfectly with her dissertation -- on student leadership -- which she is doing as part of Walden University’s teacher leadership program.

Hamman attended Auburn University for her undergraduate and graduate education, where she received a bachelor’s degree in zoology and Master’s degree in education, respectively.

 “I always wanted to be a teacher, I just went in a round-about way,” Hamman said. She first considered teaching college students, but realized that she enjoyed high school better.

Wanting to be near family, Hamman decided to relocate to Georgia.   Brookwood was her first job.

Hamman didn’t experience the same activities and outlets she enjoys seeing and supporting Brookwood students in.

 She grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, where she attended an academically-focused elementary and middle school, followed by a math and science high school. There were no outlets such as band, orchestra or student government.

 “I had a very non-traditional education,” she said.

But it didn't stop her from building strong skills, which she has carried over to other areas of her life. Hamman is also a discipleship group leader over seven high school girls at Grace Fellowship Church. Their weekly meetings include activities such as delving into Scripture.

“I really enjoy doing that in some of my free time,” Hamman said.

Hamman credits Brookwood principal Debbie Dees who “has allowed me to grow as a leader, allowed me to become a better leader," she said. " I really enjoy learning and being involved. I’m passionate about leadership in general.”

Another inspirational woman in Hamman’s life is her mother, Sunny Hamman.

“My mom is from Korea. She moved to the U.S. when she was 26 or 27,” said Hamman, whose parents still live in Montgomery and are both retired.

“She means a lot to me because of how much she has given up and how she’s worked hard. It really showed me how strong she is as a woman. She does inspire me to work hard. She has really strong faith.”

Hamman said her job entails more than presenting scientific facts and data.  One of her five "R's" is relevance - for students to see the relevance of science in their lives. 

Teaching is also about "building relationships with students, allowing them to build relationships with each other," she said. "Students need to be here who they are in the classroom."