From Portland to Poplar Bluff, Kadi Dare's career in education has spanned the country. Her latest journey, however, has taken the special education teacher to the top.
Selected by her peers, Dare will represent O'Neal Elementary School as the 2018-19 Teacher of the Year (TOY).
"Kadi is a leader in the curriculum because she is always seeking new and innovative ways to reach her special education students," said Allison Bell and Andrea Cline, who formally nominated Dare for award. "She is constantly reading and reviewing standards to make sure she can apply them in the best way possible for her students."
Dare grew up in Caneyville, Ky. and attended Murray State University. She graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in special education and elementary education.
After starting a family, Dare later earned a Master of Arts in psychology from the Southern California University for Professional Studies. She has been with the Poplar Bluff R-1 School District since 1987.
Teacher Cheryl Berry said Dare is "the epitome of what a teacher should be.
"She is goal oriented and has her students' best interests in mind at all times," Berry said. "She is dedicated to them and in seeing that they receive the best education and resources they need in order to succeed."
Laura Beth Smith has worked with Dare for 14 years at O'Neal. She said on more than one occasion, Dare has made a positive impact on her life at work and at home.
"She not only takes the time to help her students, but is always willing to do the same for teachers," Smith said. "Kadi has allowed me to grow as a regular education teacher in areas of differentiation within my classroom by teaching me several techniques over the years."
Smith said Dare is a very kind and giving person, and that she "would give the shirt off her back to anyone at anytime."
Six years ago, Heather Cornman's son was Dare's student. Cornman said the strategies and encouragements Dare gave to him have remained since that time.
"I can imagine there are countless other students and parents who look back fondly on their time spent with Mrs. Dare," Cornman said. "She should be very proud of the effect she has had on all these children."
Sixth grader Renee Huck wrote a letter to the TOY committee in support of her "very favorite teacher." She said Dare is fair and that her classroom "was always a nice place to be.
"I stop at O'Neal when I can to say, 'Hi,' to Mrs. Dare and tell her I love her," Huck said. "We share a hug before I leave."
Dare and her husband, John, own two local businesses, Ross Electric and J and K Investments. She has four children and two grandchildren whose activities, Bell and Cline said, she enjoys following.