
2025
Region 8
High School
Tommy Kim
Birmingham Community Charter High School
Los Angeles Unified School District
Tommy Kim is an innovative and dedicated educator whose impact at Birmingham High School is transformative. Known for fostering critical thinking and student engagement, he creates an inclusive, supportive environment where all learners thrive. Tommy’s "Wicked Hydra" activity, adapted from a YouTube video, exemplifies his creative teaching approach. This protocol uses continuous questioning and visual aids to explore complex character motivations, promoting critical thinking, collaboration, and empathy among students.
Tommy's strengths include trauma-informed teaching, creative pedagogy, and a commitment to social-emotional learning. His ability to model vulnerability inspires students to share their perspectives and grow both academically and personally. During virtual learning, Tommy demonstrated exceptional leadership by establishing supportive systems for students and staff, a dedication he continues to exemplify.
Colleagues admire Tommy for his positivity, expertise, and willingness to work with all students, especially those facing challenges. He is an instructional leader driven by passion and an unwavering commitment to student success.
