When thinking of phenomenal teachers and influential community members, people like Connie King come to mind. King is currently a teacher at Central Elementary School and has been an instructor for 40 years. She has also been involved with the community for decades. She personifies the term “model citizen.”
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve always felt motivated to help other people in any way that I can,” King said. “I’ve always strived to connect with others and be a positive influence, and that’s what being in my position is all about.”
King stated that her love for teaching stems from her childhood. When she was younger, she always loved going to school. She also added that she is just as excited to start a new school year in 2020 as she was in her first year teaching.
“As a teacher, my job is to nurture the students’ development and be a positive role model for them,” King said. “My role is to not just mold them into good students, but also good people. I take pride in developing these strong, healthy relationships with all of my students over the years. It’s really a joy to see how they grow throughout their lives.”
King said that she starts every day excited and with an open mind and positive outlook. As a teacher, she also has to be flexible.
“Every day, I have the desire to be the best person I can be, and that can be accomplished through hard work,” King said. “There are going to be both good and bad days, so I have to look at the positive in everything.”
King is also involved in the community through different groups. She is a member of the Zeta Mu Chapter of Tri Kappa, Portage Food Pantry Board, and Family Promise of Porter County. All of these organizations serve the community in various ways, including giving food to the less fortunate and helping those without homes sustain themselves.
“Over the years, I’ve learned that I really care about people and am a servant at heart,” King said. “Serving the community means helping those in need, whoever they may be.”
“I have been very blessed to have been a part of so many people’s lives,” King said. “When I retire, I hope I am I remembered as a positive influence and as someone who cared for everyone.”
In her free time, she enjoys going to church and traveling with her husband of 43 years and her two grown children.