Durant High School teacher Kim Mauck took an unconventional path into education, but she now considers it exactly where she is meant to be.
Mauck spent more than a decade as a stay-at-home mom before entering the workforce in 2019 with Girls on the Run, a nonprofit that allowed her to work part time while staying involved in her children’s schedules. That role led her to substitute teaching in Durant Public Schools, where she quickly found her calling.
“During my second year subbing, I was approached by the middle school and high school to apply for full-time teaching positions,” Mauck said. “I prayed about it and decided to apply.”
Now entering her fourth year at Durant High School, Mauck teaches Fundamentals of Technology and Desktop/Graphic Design through the Career Tech department. She recently completed requirements for her teaching certification through an alternative pathway, building on her degree in general business and minor in communications.
Mauck said her passion lies in building relationships with students.
“My favorite thing is visiting with the students and getting to know them,” she said. “I want every student that walks in my room to feel seen and loved.”
With more than 100 students each day, Mauck makes connection a priority — starting with learning every student’s name within the first two days of school and greeting them at the door.
Those small efforts often leave a lasting impact. Mauck recalls former students telling her they still keep handwritten notes she gave them.
“It makes me realize how much a little card that takes two minutes to write can be a lasting encouragement,” she said.
Mauck also recognizes the challenges students face, particularly with technology and social media.
“Students are addicted to both of these items,” she said. “It creates more anxiety, stress, comparison and even relationship problems.”
Despite the challenges, Mauck remains committed to balancing technology skills with life and communication skills.
“I pray that each student has fun in my classroom and learns something new,” she said. “But more than anything, I hope they leave knowing they were loved and encouraged.”
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