McNair Scholars
Kimberly Krompegal
Kimberly Krompegal
Kimberly Krompegal is currently in her senior year of undergraduate studies. She anticipates graduating Summa Cum Laude from Southern Oregon University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Education Mathematics in June 2013. Kimberly’s current career objectives include continuing on to graduate school. She is looking forward to becoming an educator of the whole child, and completing a doctorate in Education. Kimberly has interest in preadolescent youth, cultural influences, family and community involvement, and holistic education. Kim hopes to research the effects that community, family, and culture have on the lives of young adolescents and then apply her understandings in an equitable, safe and engaging classroom environment.
Kimberly’s mother is a South Korean immigrant and English second language learner who did not have an opportunity to attend school beyond her primary years. Kimberly’s father is a high school graduate and retired United States Army veteran who is functionally illiterate. Kimberly’s parents have always had high expectations for her education and because of her parent’s struggles and continued encouragement Kim has developed a strong passion for ensuring that all students are provided a developmentally appropriate and sufficient education. Kim has returned to school after having married and had three children. As a first-generation, low-income, non-traditional student, and parent; Kimberly understands the significance of equality and equity in the classroom.
As an educator Kimberly wants to provide students with rich educational experiences; experiences that will celebrate students for their distinctive talents and then create an environment that will magnify their potential for success. Kimberly’s research interests include the cognitive and social development of preadolescent children, engaging community and family, and the effects of holistic curriculum specifically for preadolescent students. Kimberly is seeking to become a leader among her peers; challenging them to consider every student as a whole being, to instruct unconditionally and with great attention to equity in the classroom. Kimberly has observed in her own children and while engaging in over 150 educational practicum hours in school settings that students are deeply rooted in their home and community cultures and should be valued and educated based on who they are, what they come in knowing, and how they will achieve continued success throughout life. Kimberly’s greatest passion for education; is that it does not just instruct young minds but that education will nurture the minds and hearts of each individual child in a manner that will ignite their individual and unique lifelong quest for wisdom.
Kimberly is active in her children’s classroom and school activities. She is always willing to volunteer her time to support family, colleagues, and professional organizations in the community. Kimberly’s peers value her outstanding ability to listen carefully and communicate well with others. Kimberly has served as a model student enrolling in honors courses, maintaining a GPA worthy of earning recognition on the President’s list, and participating as a McNair Scholar.
Mentors:
Dr. Younghee Kim, Professor of School of Education
Dr. William Greene, Professor and Chair of School of Education
Curriculum Vitae
SOU McNair Scholars Journal Fall 2012 – Vol. 9
Article: Holistic Education for the Preadolescent: What Matters to Parents and Teachers
2012 McNair Scholar Symposium
Slide Presentation: Holistic Education for the Preadolescent: What Matters to Parents and Families