Michelle Kirkpatrick’s goal is to help students thrive as learners.

In her first year with Texas Tech K-12, Michelle Kirkpatrick earned the 2025 Teacher of the Year for the district. Now in her second year as a third-grade teacher, she clearly understands one of the biggest challenges of teaching online: creating a strong sense of connection when you don’t see your students every day like a teacher would in a traditional classroom. 

“It takes intentionality to make sure students know there is a real person behind the computer who cares about their learning and their success,” Kirkpatrick said, smiling. “I strive to convey care and connection in my feedback to student work and when students join discussion-based assessment (DBA) meetings.”

Kirkpatrick has about eight years’ teaching experience, and for Texas Tech K-12 she teaches math, science, ELA and social studies. 

She has taught everything from kindergarten to university courses, including English literature courses at the middle school and college level. One of her favorites focused on her favorite author, Jane Austen. 

Drawn to Texas Tech K-12 because she believes in the opportunities that online education can provide for students and families, Kirkpatrick loves that the school gives students the opportunity to receive a rigorous education while having the flexibility to learn in a way that works for their individual circumstances. She was also excited about the relationship to Texas Tech University and the opportunity to be part of a community that values learning, growth and student success.

“My teaching philosophy is centered around relationships,” Kirkpatrick offered. “I believe students need to feel seen, known and supported before they can truly thrive as learners. 

“When students join a DBA meeting, I want them to feel as though they are the most important person in the world. I hope to make students feel safe and seen, enabling them to feel confident enough to try, to make mistakes and to learn that hard work really does translate into success.”

Kirkpatrick especially enjoys those moments when a student suddenly makes a connection or realizes, “I can do this!” Being able to play even a small part in that moment is incredibly rewarding for her, as is getting to know her students as individuals and seeing the unique strengths and personalities they bring to the learning experience.

Kirkpatrick also knows learning can feel overwhelming sometimes, especially when a student is not sure where to begin. Often, the hardest part is simply deciding to take that first step. 

“When you feel overwhelmed, start small,” she said. “If you’re writing an essay, begin by brainstorming ideas and jotting down a few possibilities. You don’t have to know exactly where you’re going yet. Sometimes, simply getting your thoughts out of your head and onto paper or the screen is enough to help you find a direction. Remember, you don’t have to figure everything out at once. Just take the next small step.”

Most importantly, Kirkpatrick wants to be part of a program where she can build meaningful relationships with students even in an online environment.

Outside of school Kirkpatrick has a variety of interests and hobbies. She claims an obsession with dark chocolate, always having some nearby, even tucked away in her desk drawer.

She and her husband, Danny, who is also employed by Texas Tech, have been married for 22 years; he is her “absolute favorite person in the world.” They have three teenagers, ages 15 to 17. One of their favorite family traditions is take-out dinner and a movie every Friday night. She says there’s nothing better than ending a crazy week curled up together on the couch.

Other interests are working out and baking, and she is always adding her own twists to recipes. 

“My kids would probably tell you that our meals are just a little too spicy,” Kirkpatrick said, laughing. “We love celebrating holidays, so we celebrate everything from Día de los Muertos to Christmas in July. We’ve even made up a few holidays of our own, like Raisin Up the Nose Day – I won’t share the origins, but trust me, it’s hilarious!”