Kim Carson has been an educator for over 20 years. Most of that time, she taught
Family & Consumer Science classes at Northwestern School, a consolidated
district, in Mellette, South Dakota. Kim provided leadership to her district by
initially working with another staff member to introduce career-based education
curriculum at the middle and high school levels. Since then, Northwestern has
grown to be a leader in career-based education in SD. She is part of a team that
has received state and national recognition. "Being a workshop presenter at
the National ACTE Convention in Orlando, Fl. and presenting curriculum to Senate
Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-SD, are two of my professional career highlights," says
Kim Carson.
"Kim is
a tremendously knowledgeable and trusted educator who combines the qualities of a
caring mother and teacher to meticulously organize and facilitate the Davis
Learning Strategies. She has dedicated her career to improving the quality of
life for children with reading difficulties. I have abounding respect for the
way Kim has relentlessly searched for innovative methods so that our students
may succeed in life. She has positively touched many children's lives in our
school. How fortunate we are able to call upon such an outstanding teacher,
mentor, and facilitator!"
--Kathy Graves,
Elementary Principal, Northwestern School
"Having Kim
on our faculty makes coming to school a true pleasure. Everyday she models a
positive attitude about herself and towards others. She is one of the most
honest, genuine, and empathetic teachers I have ever met. Kim is extremely
approachable, dedicated, and optimistic. She quickly establishes a good rapport
with her students and parents."
--Beth
Duerre,
School Counselor, Northwestern School
Kim did not perceive that she would make a career change or leave the Family
& Consumer Science classroom. Her journey started when she realized her son's
dyslexia. Through research she found the Davis site. Once he completed a program
and viewed his success, she understood this to be one missing link in our
current educational system.
Looking back over the years, Kim could identify a number of students who she
was unable to reach through conventional teaching methods. Motivated both
personally and professionally, Kim chose to advance her education to gain
licensure as a Davis facilitator. She completed all of her practicum and field
assignments within the Northwestern School setting as she continued her FACS
classroom duties. "Finding methods that reach children and opening their
doors toward success are the ultimate rewards as an educator," says
Kim. "Davis methods truly work in meeting that goal."
At the close of the 2001-02 school year, Kim left her
classroom duties. In addition, she currently coordinates
implementation of the Davis Learning Strategies®
and mentors DLS trained teachers for both
Northwestern and Brookings School Districts. She is also available
for services through private practice as she owns and operates Smart
Start Dyslexia Correction Center. The Center relocated to
Brookings, SD in February, 2004.
Education & Professional Training
B.S. Degree;
Home Economics Education
South Dakota
State University, 1982.
Davis
Dyslexia Correction®
Facilitator Training
Davis Dyslexia
Association International®, 2001-02.
Davis
Learning Strategies®
Mentor & Presenter Training
Davis
Dyslexia Association International®,
2002 - 2004.
Certification
