(by Don Meador , Allen County Schools, August 5, 2021)
A veteran educator/administrator has received a prestigious award for her work in Special Education. Kim Hawkins, director of preschool and special education at Allen County Schools, was presented with the 2021 Grissom Award for Innovation in Special Education at the Kentucky Board of Education’s (KBE) on Thursday, August 5.
“I’m truly humbled, very surprised and extremely grateful for this award,” Hawkins said.
According to a KBE news release, the Grissom Award honors Johnnie Grissom, who provided strong leadership in and commitment to special education in her role as the Kentucky Department of Education’s associate commissioner for the former Office of Special Instructional Services. The award is given in the spring of each year to a Kentuckian or a Kentucky organization to honor outstanding dedication to improving student achievement for students with disabilities. The award recognizes those who exhibit leadership, commitment, and service to promote high student achievement through instructional equity and in closing the achievement gap for all children.
“Mrs. Hawkins is a strong instructional leader and commits to ongoing growth, support and learning of our special education teachers,” noted Allen County Schools chief academic officer Melissa Biggerstaff in nominating Hawkins in the spring.
The nomination from Biggerstaff recognized Hawkins “for being innovative and strategic, with the core belief that all students can learn at high levels.” Biggerstaff also noted that Hawkins seeks opportunities to serve all students and impact students who are most at-risk.”
During her 25-plus years in education, Hawkins has worked to impact the lives of all students as much as possible.
“I went into special education because I feel that the impact is authentic and genuine.” Hawkins noted. “I want to be an advocate for students who do not have a voice or those who are marginalized. It’s very rewarding for me.”
Hawkins earned a Bachelors in Learning/Behavior Disorders and Elementary Education, a Masters in Counseling, and a Rank I in Educational Administration and Director of Special Education certification from Western Kentucky University.
Looking toward the future, Hawkins’ hope is that “each student leaves with a voice, preparedness for being college or career ready and to be able to have the skills to seek out community resources.”
“In the KBE news release, Biggerstaff pointed out that since Hawkins came to Allen County in July of 2017, the “District has seen consistent gains in student performance, a decrease in negative behaviors, an increase in co-teaching across the district, and a significant increase in students transitioning to postsecondary with a job or prepared for their next level of work.”