Kim Land, a fixture at Travis Middle School for three decades, is bidding farewell to her beloved classroom as she approaches retirement. Since her assignment to the same classroom in August 1994, Land has been a guiding force for generations of students. As she prepares to step away, she reflects on her fulfilling career and the individuals who have shaped her journey.
A native of Irving, Land's roots in education run deep, with her family serving as her earliest inspiration. "My grandparents were teachers, my father taught math at Irving High School, and I always loved the teachers I had growing up. I wanted to be like them and teach students the way they did," Land shares.
Throughout her tenure, Land has been a dedicated English Language Arts Reading (ELAR) teacher for grades 6 through 8. She attributes her decision to stay at Travis to the profound connections she has forged with her colleagues and the milestones she has celebrated within its walls.
"My colleagues over the years have been like family to me. I have spent my entire adult life here. From getting married to the birth of my kids – who both attended Travis – they have held me up through every part of my life," Land expresses.
Among the individuals who have left an indelible mark on her career, Land highlights her former colleague Tia Biamont and Principal Terry Cooper. Biamont, with whom she navigated the early stages of teaching, remains a cherished friend. Principal Cooper's support during a challenging period in her personal life left a lasting impression on Land.
Land's dedication to her craft has earned her admiration from her peers, including Pia Pulido, a fellow educator at Travis. Pulido commends Land's commitment to nurturing emerging bilinguals and describes her as a "rare gem."
While Land looks forward to retirement, she admits she will miss the daily interactions with her students, citing their infectious joy for learning as one of her favorite aspects of teaching. However, retirement won't mark the end of Land's involvement in education. She plans to continue making a difference through one-on-one tutoring while also pursuing her passion for travel.
As Kim Land closes this chapter of her career, her impact on Travis Middle School and the countless lives she has touched will resonate for years to come.
