Teacher Feature: Sharon Kinnan, Neligh-Oakdale

Where did you graduate from high school? What year? I graduated from Great Bend High School in Great Bend, Kansas in 1971.

What college did you attend? (years & degree) I attended Barton County Community College in Great Bend for a year and then transferred to Wayne State College.  I obtained my Masters Degree from Doane College in 1995.

What places have you taught? I have always taught at Neligh-Oakdale.  I was in the Oakdale building for 20 years, moved to the Westward building for 11 years and then I have spent the last 12 years at the Eastward building.

How many years have you taught? I am in my 43rd year of teaching.

What subject/class do you teach?  I have always taught 3rd grade!

What is your favorite part of teaching? My favorite part of teaching is the interaction I have with students and their families.  It is so much fun to look around our community and see many successful adults that I have had a tiny piece in educating.  It is so rewarding to see a child grow and develop in the year that they spend with me.

What are most excited about for 2017-18 school year? I am always learning something new and I am excited about my recent introduction into Executive Function and how it affects everyone.  I am anxious to try some new things in my room to help everyone succeed.  

What brought you to teach here? I came here to teach a long time ago because there was a job opening and they wanted me!

Can you tell me a little bit about your family? I have a husband, Gene, two grown sons and two grandsons.  I enjoy spending time with my family and especially the grandsons.  They live nearby so we are really close.  My husband is retired and we are both very active in the Oakdale Cemetery Association.  We spend many hours updating and working at the cemetery.  We are also involved in our church and volunteer our time there as well.
​
What are your hobbies? I like to garden and do yard work.  I also like to read.  ​