Derek Todd Kisling

Determined. Generous. Kind. Inspiring. These are just some of the words those who knew and loved Derek use to describe him. He was a man of impeccable character who led a tremendously impactful life.

Derek was born in Fresno on September 26, 1971, the first-born child of Jim and Janet Kisling. He grew up in a neighborhood not far from where he would ultimately teach. He was a precocious child with an incredible imagination- he had a gift for writing and a love of reading. Early on, this imaginative side was captivated by the Star Wars movies, a passion he never outgrew. Derek was a swimmer and water polo player in high school- another passion that lasted through his adulthood. He graduated from Clovis West High School in 1989.

Derek subsequently attended Fresno City College and then Fresno State University and graduated with a degree in political science in 1994. It was there that Derek met the love of his life, Alice Ybarra of Reedley, in 1993 at a political rally on campus. Then, having decided to pursue a career in teaching, Derek earned his teaching credentials from National University in 1998 and a Master of Science, Education from Walden University in 2007.

Derek’s first teaching position was at San Benito High School in Hollister, California, where he taught and coached for 8 years. It was also during that time that Derek and Alice married. They were wed in Carmel by the Sea on July 15, 2000. Their years in Hollister were also marked by one of the most joyous events- the birth of their daughter Abigail in 2005.

While they had wonderful experiences in Hollister and made life-long friends, it had long been Derek’s goal to return to Fresno, both to be nearer to family and to teach at his alma mater, Clovis West. With a growing family in tow, Derek and Alice moved back to Fresno in 2006. They happily welcomed the birth of their son, Jeremy, a year later in 2007.

In the ensuing 15 years at Clovis West, Derek made an indelible mark on the lives of his students, student-athletes, and colleagues. In the classroom, Derek applied the same creativity and imagination he cultivated in childhood to his teaching lessons. Often incorporating both Star Wars and current events, he made learning history enjoyable and memorable for his students. His years as Head Coach of San Benito High’s women’s water polo, and Assistant Coach for Clovis West women’s water polo motivated and inspired multitudes of young student athletes. His impact on their lives is evident in the outpouring of tributes to Derek on his Facebook page. In being nominated for “Educator of the Year” in 2019, one of Derek’s students, a History Day County champion, said of him: “Mr. Kisling teaches his students how to be good people, both in and out of the classroom, by cultivating valuable work ethics, cultural awareness, and intellectual conversation.”

Derek’s numerous professional accomplishments include:

● Teaching three different social studies subjects, including two AP courses (World History and European History) concurrently.

● AP exam pass rates well above national and state averages

● Serving as Department Chair for Clovis West Social Science department

● History Day advisor, guiding multiple participants to county, state and national acclaim

● Established and led the local chapter of Rho Kappa, an Honors society for high school students showing excellence in Social Studies.

● Winner of California League of Schools- Region 7- “Educator of the Year” award in 2019

Derek was known for inspirational mantras and always encouraged people to be better human beings. He concluded each history class with “always remember who you are and what you represent.” As Assistant Coach for Women’s water polo, a favorite was “pain is weakness leaving the body.” But by far his most notable and defining mantra was “never, never, never give up” by Winston Churchill. This quote informed his approach to just about everything, such as earning his Shodan black belt from Japan Ways Traditional Karate in 2017, and even tackling cancer.

Though Derek accomplished so much in his personal and professional life, he would have been the last to talk about it. His humility was a defining trait. However, he wouldn’t hesitate to extoll the accomplishments of his two incredible kids- Abby and Jeremy. He was very proud of his family, and he and his wife shared an incredibly loving and strong partnership. He was all about family and keeping family traditions, history, and memories alive. After the passing of his Nana, Derek took on the task of hosting family holidays at their home, and learned to make kuchen, a traditional bread served at many Volga German get-togethers. Everyone was welcome at the Kisling house for holidays, and they were often joined by friends and acquaintances who didn’t otherwise have a place to spend the holidays. The more the merrier, Derek would say.

Derek’s influence will live on in the many lives he impacted as coach, teacher, family and friend. Derek is survived by his wife Alice, children Abby and Jeremy, parents Jim and Janet Kisling, sister Jennifer Davies, a niece and three nephews, as well as numerous sibling-in-laws, aunts, uncles, and cousins. But he will always be loved and remembered by so many more.

Celebration of Life: Thursday May 19th 5:30-8:30pm

Clovis Veterans Memorial District - Independence Room

808 4th Street

Clovis CA 93612