KIM FOSTER still smiles when she thinks back to the day she earned that sticker in Ms. Dean’s class. That one small gesture made her feel seen, unique, and capable of achieving anything she set her mind to. As an educator, she passed that same magic to her students. Through large and small gestures, she reminded them that they were valued and capable of reaching their fullest potential. In her classroom, the sky was the limit — if they could dream it, they could achieve it.
From the very beginning, Foster knew she was destined to be an educator. As a young girl, her first “student” was her younger brother, who sat patiently as she gave mock lessons and assigned pretend homework.
She was also inspired by the remarkable teachers she encountered along the way, especially Ms. Dean, who always made every student feel important.
Moments like earning a sticker for reading achievements and proudly placing it on a classroom chart gave Foster a sense of accomplishment that she strived to replicate for her students.
“To me, that was important,” Foster said. “She made us feel special and like we had done something big and important, which was true. I wanted to do the same for my students.”
For 31 years and counting, Foster proudly educates and encourages young children and inspires fellow teachers across Franklin County.
“I can’t imagine any other career that I would have chosen,” she said.
Her teaching career lasted two decades, and even after years outside the classroom, Foster still feels a strong connection to her students.
Her heart swells during full-circle moments when former students return to her, sometimes as colleagues, sometimes as parents of children she taught, sharing how her influence changed their lives. One such student, now an educator, told Foster she wanted to emulate her teaching style.
“That was my full-circle moment,” she shared. “I remember Ms. Dean making me feel special. Now, I have a former student who wants to be the kind of teacher I was to her. That’s when you know you have done a good job.”
After spending 21 years as a classroom teacher and serving as a curriculum coach for six, Foster found another way to serve Franklin County Schools. She now serves as a student advocate for Broadview Elementary School.
Here, she supports students experiencing academic or personal challenges, helps families in need during the holidays, and partners with teachers to lighten their workload.
“I haven’t forgotten what it was like to be in the classroom, and I try to value their planning time and assist when I can.”
Though educators face their fair share of challenges — shifting societal expectations, burdensome workloads, and sometimes the sting of online criticism — Foster believes education is essential for building a brighter future. She believes the best way to inspire a love for learning is to approach everything with kindness.
One of her favorite quotes hangs in her office: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
Foster encourages communities to come together in support of their schools and the teachers.
“My job is about others and creating a future where students know they can be somebody,” she said. “I need the support of as many people as possible to create that future.”
Much like Ms. Dean’s simple gesture, Foster has spent her career creating moments that remind others of their worth and potential. Through love and support, she continues to pass on the magic she once received so that every person she touches knows they are valued and capable of achieving anything they dream of. GN
