How Persistence, Support, and Determination Made Me the Educator My Students Need

By Kimberly Graham

Imagine facing overwhelming challenges and knowing that giving up isn’t an option.

In 2012, I was a mother with a master’s in business administration, battling more than the challenges of parenthood. Weighing 455 pounds and struggling with rheumatoid arthritis, I faced the daunting reality of having to relearn how to walk. Despite physical and emotional trials, a spark within me refused to be extinguished.

This is the story of how I transformed from that moment of adversity into the educator I am today, navigating an alternative pathway through the CarolinaCAP program.

A Turning Point

The turning point for me came one afternoon when I was lying in bed watching my daughter create memories without me. Determined to take my life back, I started with small, manageable changes that included a balanced diet and exercise. I became the Youth Director at Francis Brown AME Church and realized I loved working with children. I graduated from a wheelchair to a walker, then to a cane, and eventually, to walking with no assistance.

Because I had taken my life back, I could now work toward becoming a teacher, which initially began with substitute teaching. After achieving a successful weight loss journey, I became pregnant with my son. 

Fast forward to 2022. I was navigating life as a mom with two children and a career as a substitute teacher at North Charleston High School, yearning for more in my career and uncertain about the steps I needed to take to become a licensed teacher. Charleston County School District offered those who were teacher assistants (TAs) the opportunity to become certified teachers. My principal wrote me a recommendation letter that helped me get into the program in the subject area of special education. The catch was that I needed a teacher assistant position, as I was still only a substitute. I wanted to stay at North Charleston High School, but no positions were available. This was another hurdle I had to cross. I started applying for teacher assistant positions at other schools. However, thanks to being proactive with my administrators, I eventually secured a teacher assistant position with my first choice, North Charleston High School.

CarolinaCAP: From TA to Teacher

That school year, I began my journey as a teacher assistant in the special education department at North Charleston High School. I was assigned to the classroom with an experienced mentor who taught the department’s credential students. When introducing myself to her, I made it clear that my goal was to become a teacher in my own classroom. She helped me learn the responsibilities of a special education teacher and helped me study for the Praxis exam.

As I studied, the end goal of working with students in the classroom motivated me. This experience, as well as my journey as a mom with a young son diagnosed as “nonverbal,” gave me tools or strategies I could use both at home and in the classroom. 

My first time taking the Praxis exam, I missed the passing score by six points. But I didn’t let that stop me from continuing my journey. I studied more and returned to take the test — this time, I was short three points. Although it wasn’t a passing score, it was a score that showed growth, a result of working in the classroom and receiving hands-on experience as a teacher and mom. The support from those around me and my drive and determination helped me reach out to my district’s human resources department. There, I learned about an alternative route to becoming a teacher. CarolinaCAP’s residency program was partnering with the Charleston County School District! I knew I was a perfect candidate for this program. I felt hopeful. My persistence helped me overcome another hurdle. The assistant principal of my department had a position for me as well; however, I still needed a passing Praxis score.

As teachers and staff returned for the 2023-2024 school year, I felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster. However, I would be a resident paired with another co-teacher.

At Last 

Thankfully, I was blessed with another co-teacher who allowed me to make the classroom my own. I took on all responsibilities as a teacher of record. While executing a reading comprehension lesson on adversity, I shared with my students how I overcame my struggle of learning to walk again. I wanted my students to know that my classroom was a “no judgment zone.” During this discussion, I had an administrator walk in for an informal observation. I was nervous, but I remained authentic and received an email with positive feedback. Finally, I’m an educator! I thought to myself. If only I could get past this dark cloud — passing the Praxis exam.

The CarolinaCAP team was supportive and intentional in making sure I was set up for success. They invested in me by purchasing a virtual tutoring service called Black River.  It was time to take the Praxis exam for the fourth time.

I felt more prepared, and I passed! The celebration was cut short when, two days later, I found out I had taken the wrong test. I felt angry and defeated. I second-guessed myself. The pressure of the district telling me that without a passing score, I wouldn’t be able to move forward as a teacher added to my discouragement.

Thanks to the support from CarolinaCAP, I gathered my emotions and signed up to take the test for the fifth time. Finally, the moment I had waited months for—I passed the (correct) Praxis exam! Joy ran through my soul as I no longer felt the weight of the test, bringing me down.

Reflection

As I reflect on my journey of becoming a CarolinaCAP candidate, I am proof the structure of the program produces confident, capable, and persistent educators. A key to my transformation was being in the classroom, interacting with students, and receiving support from my coaches and colleagues. Every step of this journey is a testament to my resilience and determination. As I continue my teaching career this school year as a CarolinaCAP candidate, I am committed to lifelong learning and inspiring my students to overcome their challenges. No obstacle is too great to overcome with determination and support.