Walking into Shi Young Kim’s classroom, you will witness a hub of activity and learning: students sitting in the back of the room painting self-portraits on their easels or water coloring at their desks, some on computers researching or journaling, and some gluing objects for their found art sculpture.
All over the room, calligraphy blooms, fiber arts weave and wires melt on stained glass. You’ll find students in small groups working collaboratively, brainstorming on their next pieces and even helping clean up together, washing brushes and scrubbing color palettes.
“Although my room may seem tumultuous, I have intentionally nurtured an environment of creativity, active engagement and thoughtful inquiry,” says Kim, who currently serves as the Visual & Performing Arts Department Chair at Rio Mesa High School in the Oxnard Union High School District.
“You will find me wandering through the room, meeting with students individually, sometimes making small talk or giving informal critiques,” she continues. “This type of instruction, tailored and differentiated for individuals, is more meaningful for my pedagogical philosophy than speaking to students in a whole group setting.”
By providing one-on-one instruction, she becomes acquainted with each of her 180 students on a deeper level.
“As we create, learn principles of design and theory, and produce visual art, we share stories of family, activities and encounters from the weekend,” she says. “Sometimes I share photos of my two cats doing silly things. Creating art means taking risks, and it demands vulnerability.”
With a 25-year career marked by creativity, leadership and dedication to student growth, Kim has inspired countless students through a dynamic blend of traditional and digital visual arts instruction. Because of this, Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, has announced Kim as the 2025 Ventura County Teacher of the Year.
Kim leads an expansive program that includes various courses such as International Baccalaureate Visual Arts, Calligraphy, Studio Art, Life Drawing and Digital Photography. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of process over product and encourages students to explore their identities and creative voices.
“We are incredibly proud to honor Shi Young Kim as the 2025 Ventura County Teacher of the Year,” says Dr. Morales. “Her ability to empower students through the arts, while also mentoring colleagues and leading schoolwide initiatives, represents the very best of what teaching can be.”
Kim played a pivotal role in establishing the prestigious International Baccalaureate art program at Rio Mesa. The program helps students develop cultural awareness and critical thinking skills through visual media such as painting and sculpture.
“Her students are consistently challenged to push their creative boundaries, engage in deep self-reflection, and explore global and personal themes through their artwork,” says Rio Mesa High School Principal, Gary Peterson.
Students describe Ms. Kim as a compassionate and motivating mentor.
“She regularly checked in when I felt there was no path ahead,” says Madison, one of Kim’s students. “Her belief in my potential, especially during times when I doubted myself, kept me going.”
Kim's classroom is known for being dynamic and cultivating an inclusive atmosphere. Her program goes beyond grades and rubrics and can be best measured by the growth and connections her students build.
With a broad spectrum of students in her classroom, she ensures that each one feels capable of meaningful artistic and academic growth. Building a space where encouragement and belonging are key, she is invested in her students and exemplifies how high-quality arts instruction can transform students’ academic and personal journeys.
“I think teaching is not an individual ‘sport’ and it's not bound by four classroom walls,” emphasizes Kim, adding that she tries to expand student learning outside the classroom by being present in their daily lives.
“I aim to build joyful and meaningful environments, building positive relationships with students so that they have a similar relationship with their peers—that will transfer into their art, she says. Being a teacher involves collaborating with other teachers—usually your best friends—and discussing news and events that happen in the classroom and/or on campus. It’s also about building culture and rapport with key players: administrators, teachers, parents and students.”
Kim is now eligible to represent Ventura County in the 2025 California Teacher of the Year competition.
Meanwhile, “I want to continue learning and continue to make an impact on my students, school and community.”
She adds that she always tells her students that the journey is more important than the final product, “and it’s the same in my educational journey. I want to continue to ‘be all in’ in my students’ lives.”
“As we create, learn principles of design and theory, and produce visual art, we share stories of family, activities and encounters from the weekend... Creating art means taking risks.”