Kim Jae Haggerty

I grew up in a small town in Montana named Miles City. I had a twin sister named Kelly and have a brother, Kirk. Kelly passed away in 2015. She had a great life…and partied hardy. My brother, Kirk, lives in Kirkland, Washington. How Ironic! My sister and I fought like cats and dogs, but she was the closest person to me. We shared the same thoughts and could finish each other’s sentences. Both my parents, John C and Ruth proceeded me in in death.

I wanted to study science since middle school and could only think about leaving to go to college out of state. I needed to study out of state because I did not want to work with cows in Montana. I got accepted at the University of California at Santa Cruz. What an eye opener! From a small town where driving up and down main street on Saturday night was the highlight of the week to experiencing rich, diverse cultures. I graduated in Biology and Chemistry. I was fortunate to be part of the first Alternative Teaching program where I received my teaching credential. (This certainly ages me). My first teaching position was in South Central Los Angeles. I could not understand why all my students wore red clothes and those that wore blue clothes did not want to come into the classroom. I immediately woke up from my naivety during this introduction into gangs when hearing gunfire after school brought the students running inside the building for cover.

I moved to San Diego and taught both Science and Math for nearly 20 years. During this time, I realized how I enjoyed writing curriculum and working with the Special Education population. I went back to school for a masters in Special Education. I also became a certified copy editor. Then I decided to leave teaching and work in educational publishing. I worked in this field for 10 years. I worked for Renaissance Learning (Accelerated Math) and then came down to Texas where I was hired as an assessment specialist for Educational Testing Service (ETS). I worked on Special Education, Science, and Math projects for California, Maryland, Virginia, and Florida, to name a few. I went on to work for Pearson and Accenture (adult learning solutions for corporations). Here, I started to miss working with kids and realized that working with adults was more challenging then working with kids. I then was hired at Churchill as a Special Education teacher…and here we are.

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I am an internal science geek. No matter what, I live and breathe science. When I first started at Churchill, I was fortunate to be the co-teacher in IPC (Integrated Physics and Chemistry). Some of you may be thinking how working in IPC is fortunate, but I enjoyed teaching these students. I also had the opportunity to work with Fuchs in Physics. I learned so much physics from you. I also listened to the same jokes 2 times a day, and I was the only person laughing at your jokes from the back of the room each period. You are such a talkative, funny man.

I had the chance to work with Naomi Tyndall. You started your teaching career in IPC with me and actually stayed at Churchill after this experience. I was very hard on you being the perfectionist that I am. You turned out to be a great teacher…stricter in discipline than even I was. I admire you for this.

I remember being on the second floor in your Chemistry class. ALE student Roman would take walks to the back stairwell, pound the rails, and scream in excitement. One time, I heard a loud squealing sound. I thought Roman was flinging himself over the back railing and his aide lost control of him. I went running out of the classroom only to discover the sounds coming from Mr. Kellogg’s room where he lecturing about Chemistry. From then on, Mr. Kellogg, all screams, squeals, yells that came from that direction, I knew could be attributed to your Chemistry lectures. The UIL Science students loved you, Mr. Kellogg and talked about you often…about how crazy you were.

I learned so much from you, Jennifer Garcia. You taught me how to balance my strict discipline personality with being a kind, caring person. You were always so calm even with SPED students Alonzo and Justin. I remember being out of the classroom for an ARD and you told me that Justin would not leave Alonzo alone the day before…that Justin would keep coming at Alonzo. I did not understand why you were so upset about this. It cannot be that bad. You were over-exaggerating. Well, the next day, I experienced this over-exaggerated interaction. OMG! You could not describe in words how Justin kept relentlessly attacking Alonzo where you were trying to block Justin away from Alonso without much success. You did not have to go to the gym that evening from the exercise that you received. He kept coming and coming. I was upset from the interaction. I had to physically restrain Justin and call for Mr. Dretke for help. I can only imagine how you may have felt alone with no support the day before.

I thank you Ginger for being my secret partner and mentor in my role as the UIL Science coach. I counted on your words of wisdom and guidance.

After so many years of teaching, I thought I knew all about teaching until I got the great opportunity to work with Maria Rodriquez in IPC. Every day, I learned from you, Maria, both as a teacher, but most importantly, as a kind, caring, human being that you are who could forge positive bonds with all types of students. Thank you, Maria, for giving me this experience.

I was fortunate to be able to work with a great group of science teachers supporting the SPED students in the different science courses. You all helped fulfill my craving to be a science geek at Churchill High School. And thank you Pre-Biology teachers for your assistance in recruiting future members of the UIL Academic Science team.

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I had the opportunity to work with the best Special Education staff when I went back to teaching. I could always count on you to take care of my caseload students in your classes and to keep me informed of their progress. You became my surrogate advocates for my students and I appreciated this.

I also had the best time with you during afterschool conferences at the local bar. You made me laugh at your stories. I looked forward to these events. Such a learning experience.

Finally, the support you all gave me while I was fighting my cancer. You stepped up, took over my ARDs, and comforted both my parents and their students. I cannot express in words my appreciation of your time in your busy schedule to do my work for me. Just think, I have now officially “resigned” from this Physical world and Elaine can now hire a permanent person to fill my position.

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Being part of the UIL Academic Science team was the highlight of my teaching career at Churchill. To work with this population of students, fostering you in competing against the brightest students in our region was an honor. Ravi, Justin, and Jack you have been with the team since 9th grade and watching you grow in your science knowledge has been a privilege. Kyle and Caitlin, thanks for joining and supporting the team. I am happy to see all of you involved in the academic competition and doing well. Remember these competitions as you move forward into the next stage of your academic careers…college. I see all of you being successful and doing well in your life.

Kathy, Sydney, Katherine, and Ty keep working hard and participating with the UIL Churchill Science team. (Kathy Le, never forget the probability of your score from your first competition). The other schools should worry about how competitive you all have become. I know that you will help the team get better and better…and win. Jordyn and Bella, I have enjoyed you being part of the team. Science is very competitive, so do not get discouraged. Keep studying and taking advanced science courses. And also, keep recruiting future members to the Science team so that the legacy can continue.

As I graded score sheets with the other school coaches, I was proud of the Churchill Science team members as your scores were tabulated. Your scores were always at the top and the coaches talked about how well Churchill was performing during the meet.

Stephanie, Susan, Mr. Gomez, Ms. Francia, Mikel, Ms. Stewart, and Benny, I truly loved working with you coaching the Churchill’s UIL Academic Team. You made the entire experience fun and enjoyable. Stephanie, your high standards and integrity made our UIL Academic Churchill Classic one of the best Invitational A meets around.

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Working with the Science department most of my career here at Churchill (being a science geek as I am), I was fortunate to work as both a Co-Teacher and Instructional Facilitator in some of the math courses. What a great group of individuals in this department. I experienced working as a team and experienced new and different ways to teach a concept in math. Mr. Edwards, Mr. Gomez, and Ms. Gonzalez, I was honored to be able to work with you in teaching your math courses. Such great co-teachers who supported me when I could not copy an assignment or needed my worked critiqued. Thank you for putting up with me when I wanted to modify everything. I learned a great deal from working with you all.

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Elaine, how can I begin to describe the impact that you have had on my life. Not only did I have the privilege of working with you, but also you became a close friend. As anti-social as I was, I did not have many people that I allowed myself to get close to. I always knew when our interactions were professional (or when I was in trouble for something) or were personal. When I heard, “Ms. Haggerty”, Beware, I probably did something wrong. Tip toe into the office and deal with the issue as quickly as possible. When I heard, “Hey Haggerty”, I was in the clear. Elaine, you have been here for me through everything…during my diagnosis, during my struggles throughout the summer, and finally, during my transition. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for you. I feel honored to be able to have you share the last part of my life with me.

You are such a go-getter. You would piss me off when you kept pushing me to get things done. As a major procrastinator, I would become reactivated. However, we got business completed, especially those difficult tasks at the end.

I always had a great time when I am with you…laughing and giggling at everything. Your laugh is contagious. You made me feel that I had a sense of humor because you laughed at everything that I said.

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Cheryl you were my sounding board of my life. I always felt better after talks with you. I would give the excuse of talking about a student just to be able to talk with you. I was receiving the benefits of free therapy right at the workplace. You are such a bright, funny person who I enjoyed immensely. Your belief system in social and political issues verified my own existence and made me realize that my thoughts were not as crazy as I had assumed. You shared with me many similar viewpoints on life.

I had not met a person who can tell a story so wittedly…with such entertainment and interest. Acting out the story with body movements and your voice. The first time I realized how funny you were was at a Christmas get-together put on by Maria and the ALE team in her room on the second floor of the 8000 building. Rubio, Elaine, and you were talking, of course, about our experiences with students. You shared a story of ALE student Cody. In order to protect staff from his grabbing clothes or anatomy parts, he carried around a box to keep his hands occupied…once he grabbed onto something, he would not let go…just like a pit bull. He was a huge person, full red beard, and very intimidating looking. Cody was taken to a private therapist. You were in the room with the parents, the therapist, and Cody. Cody was on his best behavior and not showing any of the signs of grabbing clothes or holding onto body parts that was an issue at Churchill. The therapist was right in the middle of sharing that he did not see the behavior that you were concerned about, when Cody grabbed the necktie of the therapist. And of course, he would not let go. As the therapist was struggling for air while turning blue and the other participants were trying to peel Cody’s fingers away from the necktie that was wrapped tightly around the throat of the therapist, Cody let go just in time. As you acted out this scenario, you had me trying to maintain a developing incontinence issue that I was about to share with group. I was giggling so much, so loud; I truly thought I might embarrass myself. Cheryl, from this experience, I realized how funny you are, and how I enjoyed listening to you.

I cannot convey how much your care for me has meant, especially since my diagnosis. The appreciation I have for all your support cannot be expressed in words. I thank you Cheryl and was truly blessed with you sharing your wisdom and your humor with me.

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Bucky, you are my soul mate. I did not feel an affinity towards another person like I felt for you. You always took care of me…made me feel special. You always knew what I needed even without me communicating my need to you. I had such great times being with you. You allowed me to experience events that I would not have tried without you…you expanded my life for the best. I know we talked a great deal during the last stages of my life, but I wanted others to know what a great, caring, giving, person that you are. In addition, know how you physically took care of me through my transition. Being with you at the house was a special gift. You blessed my soul beyond words. Thank you Bucky.

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To the Churchill staff, I honestly now know what is meant by living a legacy. I felt special and welcomed by all staff and felt that I was working with a group of individuals who truly cared about their students. All were friendly with me. The APs responded to my needs when I needed support and that allowed me not to become reactivated and stay positive. I had the chance to work with a wonderful group of counselors who made me feel that my caseload was their priority when I asked for assistance with my students. I could not have selected a better place to return to working with students. Thank you.

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Well, that’s it in a nut shell. Thank you for sharing my life with me. You all made my life fun, exciting, and joyful. I surrounded myself with the best people. I was truly gifted.