Inspirational Pocatello Teacher Wins Inaugural 2023 ISU Cooperating Teacher Award

Kirkham's career spans over a decade at Pocatello High School and reflects an unwavering dedication to education. Serving as an ISU cooperating teacher, Kirkham has generously opened her classroom doors, offering mentorship to numerous student teaching candidates. One such candidate, Kinsey Isham, had the privilege of being under Kirkham's guidance during the fall 2023 semester, an experience she describes as unforgettable. Isham nominated Kirkham for this award noting that Kirkham helped her grow both professionally and personally and was the kind of teacher that she hopes to be. 

“There was a time where I hit rock bottom, and I didn’t know how to move forward,” said Isham. “Mrs. Kirkham gave me some tough love and told me to find my teacher's voice, my teacher's look, and be confident in what I do. I have no idea where I would be if Mrs. Kirkham hadn’t said what she did and pushed me to overcome these challenges.” 

As Isham described, Kirkham’s mentorship and teaching style went beyond classroom instruction. Over the summer, Kirkham let Isham help with decorating her classroom, at back-to-school night she bought Isham a Pocatello High School shirt to wear to school, and even brought her coffees on days where Isham was feeling down. Often starting their day together chatting about life and Isham’s goals, Kirkam showed a true commitment to helping Isham thrive in the teaching profession. 

Kirkham’s colleagues also describe her as someone who embodies a genuine commitment to uplifting others and promoting student-centric teaching. Her daily efforts focus on creating a collaborative environment built on valuing teamwork, diversity, and compassion. Meeting her students where they are academically, Kirkham continually brings new and innovative ideas into the classroom.

“Her dynamic and adaptive teaching style not only engages students but also cultivates a spirit of curiosity and critical thinking among them,” said Pocatello High School Vice Principal Heidi Graham. “Mrs. Kirkham’s contributions enhance the academic landscape at Pocatello High School and serve as an inspiration to those fortunate enough to work alongside her.”

Having Kirkham as a cooperating teacher has reinforced Isham’s commitment to teaching, and she looks forward to making her own positive impact in education. Isham is set to graduate this December with a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education from ISU. “Not only was Mrs. Kirkham my cooperating teacher, but she became my role model, and my mom away from home,” said Isham. “She changed my life and showed me exactly the kind of teacher I want to be one day.”

Kirkham’s impact in education is exemplary, and her work with ISU student teaching candidates will shape education locally and throughout Idaho. For Kirkham, she credits being an ISU cooperating teacher as one the most rewarding aspects of her teaching career. The ISU College of Education was proud to acknowledge Kirkham’s contributions to the field of education by awarding her the 2023 ISU Cooperating Teacher Award during a special celebration at Pocatello High School on December 13, 2023.