- December 20, 2024
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Akrisza Kemp-Brown teaches in the same school her children attend. That, she said, keeps her motivated on the job every day, because she knows her children yearn for a teacher to help guide them.
She wants to be that for the students in her own classroom.
"When I see my students, I see my daughters," Kemp-Brown said.
The Hinson Middle School Teacher of the Year is a graduate of Bethune-Cookman University, where she obtained a bachelor's degree in biology. For the past six years, she has taught seventh and eight grade science at Hinson.
One thing she said she is taking away from the nomination is that it shows her work and genuine love for students isn't going unnoticed. In May 2022, the Volusia Association of Science Teachers selected her as its Middle School Science Teacher of the Year.
"It’s always amazing to me when receiving nominations because as teachers, we do not think primarily on recognition, so when we receive them it’s always a great feeling," Kemp-Brown said.
Her favorite thing about being a teacher is building bonds with her students. The fact she teaches science is also a plus.
"I decided to become a teacher because I wanted to show kids that science could be fun," Kemp-Brown said. "I also wanted to help guide them on how to think critically and think outside the box."
If she could share one piece of wisdom with her students, it would be to stay true to themselves.
"Always be genuine to who you are," Kemp-Brown said. "It goes a lot further than trying to be someone else."
When she's not in the classroom, Kemp-Brown said she loves spending time near the water, as it sparks joy and peace in her life.
