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Kim Meyer, Ed.D., associate professor of education and licensing advisor, is living her dream of teaching and equipping others to serve in the classroom. She has a heart for special education and meeting the needs of diverse learners. In fact, meeting the needs of the diverse learner was the focus of her doctoral dissertation. She came to Bethel after having served in the K-12 classroom for 13 years, first as a student teacher director and adjunct professor, and then as a full-time professor in 2021.

“I have a passion for creating belonging and understanding for different culture groups, different learner groups – even on our campus. I serve on the ILE (Intercultural Learning and Engagement) Council. Those two [passions] dovetail well together. I use my voice to help others feel loved and seen and understood. I love being able to do that through the power of the classroom and equip teachers for that.”

From a young age, Meyer felt called to teach. But it was her 7th grade teacher who really came alongside her and encouraged her throughout high school to pursue higher education. As a first-generation college student, Meyer appreciates supporting and connecting with students who are on this journey as well.

“I knew early on that I was going to be a teacher. School was my favorite thing and it just felt natural to me. That was my calling. Later I would also see the handiwork of God’s design in my own creative being as God would prepare me for this vocation,” she says.

Like the inspiring educator in her life, Meyer aims to impact students in a similar way. She is currently pursuing CALP (Certified Academic Language Practitioner) certification herself – a new, unique offering for Bethel education graduates. As part of that coursework, she is tutoring elementary students in literacy, which she says has been a joy to learn and work through.

At Bethel, she teaches math and reading methods, diversity in the classroom and special education, both at the undergraduate and graduate level, among other courses. She loves walking alongside students and mentoring them – whether in their studies or in their faith.

Outside of the classroom, Meyer enjoys time at home and anywhere outdoors with her family – which includes her husband, three daughters (one of whom is a sophomore ASL major at Bethel) and three-legged dog, Buster.

“One of my sweetest blessings is having my own daughter on campus right now. A special memory is being a parent, standing around the pond and praying that blessing over her when she started as a freshman,” she says.