Kirby Kenny

Kirby Kenny, Spanish teacher, loves to help students and watch them grow.
“It’s nice to spend time getting to know students and what their aspirations are and help them come up with a way to achieve their goals after high school,” Kenny said.
Out of the many applications for the new Spanish teacher position, Kenny was the chosen one.
“We wanted someone who was innovative and had experience,” new principal Jeff Hines said. “
Kenny was a perfect fit for the high school.
Not only was Hines excited for Kenny to start, Sara Allison, French teacher said she was delighted as well.
“I’m glad she’s here,” Allison said. “She brings a lot to the table and has a passion for teaching, Allison said.
Kenny came from Conway Springs, a small town in southern Kansas. She wanted to be an elementary teacher, but loved to study Spanish. When she first started teaching, she taught at an elementary school, but didn’t feel like it was the right fit for her.
“I felt with my personality I could relate a little better to students in high school and I really enjoyed my time in the class with them,” Kenny said.
Teaching in small schools showed Kenny how much she loves interacting with students and help them.
“I love to get to know my students inside and outside the classroom,” Kenny said. “I think it is important to know how the kids behave in other situations.”
Learning a second language is important to Kenny. Not only are they learning a second language, they are connecting to more cultures she said.
“It gives students another way of thinking,” Kenny said.
Kenny also coaches junior varsity soccer.
“The position was open and I just took it,” Kenny said. “It kind of fell into my lap.”
Students are eager for a new year with Kenny.
Senior Aziza Patillo looks forward to the new year with her because Kenny likes to do more group activities.
Patillo said she also enjoyed that Kenny likes to speak mostly Spanish in class, so the students can hear it and repeat it, therefore they can learn the language better.