Meet Lin Lim Tippin, our Featured Teacher for the October/November 2024 issue of Giggle Magazine!
My family came to the United States in 1984 as refugees from a war-torn country. I went to school to study medicine and came away realizing what I wanted most was to have a family of my own. After many years of heartbreak, my husband Chris and I had our beautiful miracle, Kirra. I was fortunate to be able to stay home with her, pursue pursuits beyond my formal training and finally find my footing in teaching. I’m an adventurer and learner at heart. I am always open to learning new things and finding new paths to explore.
WHERE DO YOU TEACH?
WA Metcalfe Elementary
WHAT GRADE/AGE DO YOU TEACH?
4th
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A TEACHER?
5 YEARS!
WHAT SUBJECT DO YOU TEACH?
All Subjects: Math, Science, E/LA, Social Studies
Why were you inspired to teach?
I suppose it was a “who” that inspired me. My daughter, Kirra, attended Lawton Chiles Elementary, and I loved how that campus and the people in it helped her grow into an independent, compassionate and thoughtful person. I volunteered there daily and wanted to be part of that special experience for other families.
What is your favorite part of the school day?
My favorite part of the day is when the first student walks into the classroom. Each morning, that student and I will have a few moments to connect. I love those moments. During each day, there are times when a student finds understanding, asks the one question that I don’t expect, shows a kindness that takes me by surprise, those moments – those moments, I carry with me in my heart.
Do you have a favorite assignment/ project that you typically assign your students?
You know, I don’t. My favorite assignments bring a sparkle to a student’s eye. I like to find a way to incorporate creativity in all subjects. I love to do investigations. Each one reaches a student differently. Whether it is observing nature, dissections, chemistry, engineering, novel studies, writing prompts, poetry or artistic pursuits, I love each one because it brings a whole new excitement to learning.
How do you wind down from a long day of teaching?
I rely on my people. I have made the most wonderful friends while teaching. Outside of school, I like to spend time with my family enjoying nature. My husband is the rowing coach at the University of Florida, and we spend many evenings on Newnans Lake watching rowing practice.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
I love art. I enjoy making things: sewing, crafting and painting. Also, I enjoy birding, yoga, traveling and EATING!
Share a funny teaching moment/day
Each year, our class hatches chickens. It brings me joy to see how students grow to love these messy animals. Everyone knows a student of Mrs. Lim’s class proudly bears the “stains” of caring for our chickens. They were fixtures on desks during instruction and often imprinted on their caretakers. It makes me smile thinking about those wonderful times.
If you were a superhero, who would you be?
I want to say Wonder Woman, but I know that I am more of a Professor X.
What is your favorite book?
“A Wizard of Earthsea” by Ursula LeGuin
If you could share 3 pieces of advice to parents about how to keep kids engaged with learning, what would you tell them?
- Prepare your learner with a schedule: Organize time to learn, to play, to decompress.
- Get to know your teachers. They are now part of your family. They share in your desires for your legacy.
- After each school day, ask your learner two questions, “What questions did you ask today?” and “What made you proud of yourself today?” Encourage curiosity. Questions like, “Did you make any mistakes?” allow for reflection and moments of understanding and perseverance.
Related articles
Featured Teacher: Jennifer Szczepanski
Using AI to Teach Your Children