When Camdyn Kindred ‘25 opens her elementary classroom on the first day of school in August, her biggest goal will be to help every student feel seen, celebrated and safe.
“I’ve seen the impact that teachers can make on students’ lives for years and years to come,” Kindred said. “I’m just so excited to build a safe community for my students and be someone who is always celebrating them.”
Kindred was inspired by many educators in her family, including her mother, and fell in love with second grade during her student teaching experience as a Newman University student.
“It was so fun,” she said with a smile. “But I also learned how tough it can be to teach something as ‘simple’ as multiplication. We learned it over 15 years ago, but breaking it down for second graders and scaffolding it in a way they understand is hard work. But student teaching helped me grow.”
Her growth at Newman extended beyond the classroom. As a member of the Newman Jets volleyball team, she spent four years competing in a highly competitive conference while balancing her academic and creative pursuits. She even launched her own photography business on the side.
“There have been plenty of challenges, but I’ve become so much more resilient,” she said. “Newman helped me discover my love for teaching and also gave me the space to find my creative side.”
Kindred’s commitment to inclusion will be at the heart of her teaching philosophy.
“Each child is unique, and we need that uniqueness for the world to thrive,” she said. “I will always stand up for my students against injustice. They deserve someone who supports them for who they are.”
As she looks ahead to her first year in the classroom, Kindred’s advice to herself is simple but powerful: “Be confident in yourself and give yourself grace. The most important thing is the relationship with your students. I am more than honored to teach our next generation.”
Kindred is ready to transform society for the better through education, one student at a time.
Earn an elementary education degree
Graduates of the elementary teacher education program can be licensed to teach grades kindergarten through 6th and may complete middle level endorsements in math, science, English or social studies.
