Kimberley King named 2026 Elementary School Teacher of the Year

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) —

Kimberley King, an educator at Vicksburg Intermediate School (VIS), has been named the 2026 Elementary School Teacher of the Year by the Mississippi Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM). This distinguished recognition celebrates her dedication to mathematics education, instructional excellence, and her commitment to helping students reach their highest academic potential.

With a passion for student achievement and educational leadership, King has established herself as an advocate for challenging students to think critically, embrace learning, and strive for academic excellence. Her instructional philosophy centers on the belief that students should not simply meet expectations but be empowered to exceed them through meaningful learning experiences, high expectations, and targeted instructional support.

At Vicksburg Intermediate School, King formerly served as a Pathway to Accelerated Learning (PAL) instructor but now serves as Interventionist and School Testing Coordinator. Through the PAL program, she provided advanced learning opportunities designed to challenge high-achieving students beyond their grade-level standards. Her approach emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and deeper mathematical understanding while preparing students for continued academic success.

King also supports schoolwide achievement through data-driven instructional planning and assessment coordination. By analyzing student performance data and identifying opportunities for growth, she helps inform instructional decisions that strengthen learning outcomes and promote mathematics proficiency. Her work reflects a commitment to ensuring that students are not only prepared for assessments but also equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for long-term success.

Beyond the classroom, King is dedicated to instructional leadership and collaboration. She believes that student success is a collective responsibility and that effective teaching, purposeful planning, and high expectations can make a lasting difference in the lives of young learners.

Being named MCTM’s 2026 Elementary School Teacher of the Year represents a significant milestone in King’s educational career and recognizes her contributions to mathematics instruction and student development.

For King, the honor reflects the importance of investing in students, cultivating a culture of excellence, and creating opportunities for every learner to thrive.

Her recognition serves as an inspiration to fellow educators and reinforces the importance of passionate, student-centered teaching in shaping the next generation of mathematicians, problem-solvers, and leaders.