Moore Teacher Write-Ups is a series on local educators highlighting the women and men who are raising our next generation, and to whom we entrust our children every day.
Bradley Kidd has been a teacher for 18 years. He started in Lee County for a couple of years, then taught at Union Pines for seven years, and then came to North Moore for the rest of his career.
Kidd loves being a teacher. “The teenage years are so important because they make so many decisions that affect the rest of their lives, so if we can be a part of that and speak into their lives to make them a little more successful and help them find their passions, that’s why I get up in the morning,” said Kidd.
He teaches horticulture and animal husbandry at North Moore High School. His wife, Holly, teaches animal sciences and veterinary services at North Moore. According to Kidd, he could not do what he does without his wife. “It’s a lot of fun to work together with her,” said Kidd.
He was a finalist for the 2022 NCCAT Career & Technical Teacher of the year. The NCCAT’s mission is “to help North Carolina teachers grow in knowledge, skills, compassion, and professionalism so that students become engaged, self-motivated, and successful.”
Kidd was humbled to be recognized as a finalist for the teacher of the year. “It’s humbling to be honored when so many deserving teachers are not recognized,” said Kidd.
COVID-19 was a challenging time because the program is very hands-on. “A couple of years worth of students missed out on the hands-on experience and the fun stuff,” said Kidd.
In North Carolina, agricultural and animal husbandry is one of the largest industries in the state. His program has about 75 students annually, and his wife’s program is about the same. Because of the overlap in some of the programs, the total number of students is about 120.
While many of his students go to college, some go directly into the workforce. He hopes that the program “prepares students for a career.” The program prepares students for work as veterinary assistants, landscaping, and various agricultural jobs.
The Town of Robbins is very supportive of the program. The animal husbandry has a pair of ostriches provided by a local ostrich breeder. Other professionals, such as landscapers, will come in and work with the students and help hone their skills. Kidd stated, “I love how supportive the local business and residents are.”
Kidd loves interacting with his students. “The best memories are the ones I spend interacting with the students, and it’s not all learning,” said Kidd. “I love goofing off with the students at times.”
If you have a teacher you would like to nominate to be showcased in this series, please email [email protected].
~Article and photo by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter Chris Prentice.
