News Reporter
Ms. Kimberly Grunwald, a new mathematics teacher at Choate, has returned to her Wallingford roots to rejoin the Choate community. Ms. Grunwald has always loved Choate and has wanted to teach here since she first went to the Choate Nursery School. Her aunt, a teacher at the nursery school, would often take her to eat in the dining hall. She remembers thinking, “If being a teacher at Choate meant I could eat in the dining hall every day, then that would be great.”
Her reasons for wanting to become a teacher have changed into something much deeper than wanting to eat in the dining hall. Ms. Grunwald notes that she loves working with the students, particularly the students at Choate. Growing up, math was Ms. Grunwald’s favorite subject, so it was natural that she decided to become a mathematics teacher.
Ms. Grunwald chose Choate in part because it was a boarding school. “Choate provided me with an opportunity to positively influence my students’ lives. I enjoy the lifestyle of teaching, coaching, and advising that is part of boarding school life.” The fact that she could interact with her students both in and out of the classroom was a significant in her desire to teach here.
According to Grunwald, she has always felt that every student is capable of succeeding. She encourages confidence, hard work, and class participation. It’s no surprise that Ms. Grunwald’s students feel the same way about her. Morgan Monz ’10. one of Ms. Grunwald’s students, said, “She is just an awesome teacher. She is always so helpful and willing to help. We really love having her as a teacher.”
Julie Bauer ‘10 , one of Ms. Grunwald’s advisees, has a much more personal connection with her. Julie enjoys talking to Ms. Grunwald and always feels comfortable with her. She recalls, “Once when I went off campus for the weekend she remembered and, even though she was off duty, she stuck her head in my room anyway to see how my weekend away was.”
As Ms Grunwald says, “My students make me laugh; each day they teach me something new.” She continues, “Knowing that I have made a small difference is why I chose to enter the teaching profession. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else right now.”
