Professor Pascoe exemplifies the inspirational and dedicated teaching that lingers in minds long after classes have ended.
Professor Pascoe teaches American Sign Language and College 100 at Golden West College, as well as works in the Disabled Student Resource/High Tech Center. In all three capacities, she creates an atmosphere in her classes that is non-threatening and inclusive to all students. As a professor of American Sign Language, Ms. Pascoe approaches her students with utmost respect and support, seeing her students as future colleagues. Indeed, she has had the honor to sign with former students at public events, an experience that brings her great joy and pride as she witnesses the legacy of knowledge she is transferring to future generations. In College 100, she instructs students in not only how to study and succeed in college but how to excel in life and work. That class is dedicated to teaching entering college students how to be reliable, respectful, and professional, all qualities that Professor Pascoe models for her classes. She also runs the Disabled Student Computer Center, where students learn how to use the computer and improve their skills, like a workplace, having students check-in, complete tasks, review the results with her, and keep a regular schedule of their work.
Professor Pascoe’s friendly accessibility and clear communication of objectives help students succeed, while her infectious enthusiasm inspires her students to achieve more than they ever thought possible. She is often invited to sign at her former students’ family events, such as wedding and funerals, clear indicators that she has influenced her students and community far beyond the classroom. If one measures a teacher’s influence by the students’ lives changed forever for the better, Professor Pascoe would rank as a top teacher anywhere, not just here at Golden West College.
Teacher of the Year
The Orange County Department of Education’s Teachers of the Year program provides recognition for outstanding teachers in Orange County. Community colleges and private schools may each nominate one teacher. Finalists are selected to represent the county in the state level Teachers of the Year program. Each candidate is honored at an annual Recognition Ceremony hosted by the program sponsors.
Students appropriately have the honor of nominating faculty for this award. The Teacher of the Year Committee is a subcommittee of the Academic Senate, which ranks the student nominations and makes the final selection. Kim will be honored next fall with other secondary and post secondary faculty nominees for the Orange County Teacher of the Year Award in an impressive ceremony at the Disneyland Hotel.
Kim Pascoe with the students who nominated her for the award - Monica Dekany and Nicole Romero
“Kimberly Pascoe’s ability to educate, encourage and inspire has personally touched my life. Without her as my teacher, I would not be enthusiastically pursuing this career.” – Nicole Romero
“Kim Pascoe’s hard work and dedication are what inspired me to pursue my dream of becoming a counselor and working in the deaf community. She is very supportive and encourages you to become your best and she always makes time to work with her students.” – Monica Dekany
