Meet Kimberly J. Fountain: The Inspiring Science Educator of the Year Nominee Connecting with Students – The Vicksburg Post

Meet Kimberly J. Fountain: A Passionate Educator

Kimberly J. Fountain has been shaping young minds at Warren Central High School for 23 years. As a biology instructor, she connects classroom lessons to real-life situations, making science relevant and exciting for her students.

Recently, Fountain was nominated for the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce’s Educator of the Year award. The winners will be announced at a luncheon in February, where each award recipient will receive $1,000, thanks to Ameristar Casino.

Fountain holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Alcorn State University. She believes that science offers powerful tools to help students understand the world around them. “A lesson that defines me involves exploring cell functions. I compare cells to our city of Vicksburg, where each part has a role in keeping things running smoothly,” she explains.

Fountain encourages her students to engage with biology through technology and hands-on projects. They take virtual tours of cells and even create models of ecosystems using two-liter bottles. “These activities show students how science applies to real-world problems,” she adds.

Her teaching is data-driven. Fountain starts each unit with a pretest to understand her students’ strengths and weaknesses. For those who need extra help, she offers small group sessions or one-on-one support while providing advanced learners with more challenging tasks.

For Fountain, the best part of teaching is witnessing the positive impact she has on her students. “One moment that truly touched me was when a valedictorian spoke about my influence on their life. They appreciated not only how I prepared them for tests but also for the challenges of college and life beyond,” she shares.

Teaching for Fountain is more than just a job; it’s a calling. “I love inspiring curiosity and motivating students to explore,” she says.