Kim Huckstadt

Kim Huckstadt
Major/Job Title:
Assistant Professor - Educational Leadership
Hometown:
Bennett, IA

Kim Huckstadt

How many years have you been working at UNI?
Starting my eighth year in the fall of 2021

Briefly describe your educational background.
Bennett High School Graduate. Undergrad: Beloit College (Biology). MS - Western Illinois University (Education Administration). EdS - Drake University (Superintendent License). EdD - Western Illinois University (Educational Leadership)

Briefly describe your career background.
Upon graduation from Beloit College, I accepted a position teaching Science at Maquoketa Middle School. My first assignment included teaching two 8th grade science classes and supervising four study halls! I also coached varsity girls basketball and track. 

In 1986 my wife and I entered a biblical studies program that included a mission year. This allowed us to spend one year teaching at the secondary level in Lake Charles, LA. A great cultural learning experience!

When that 3-year commitment ended, we were hired a second time in Maquoketa! After one year teaching science, I was hired as the Assistant Middle School Principal - AD. After five years as AP / AD, I was offered the opportunity to serve as the Middle School Principal, which I did for six years. In 2001, I was hired to serve as the Superintendent of the Maquoketa School District and I served in that capacity for 13 years until my "retirement" in 2014.

In the fall of 2014, I was able to fulfill a life-long goal of teaching at the University Level. I continue to teach primarily in the superintendent certification program. My specialty areas are Iowa School Finance, School Business Management and Human Resources Administration. It is a privilege to work with many gifted and dedicated aspiring leaders!

Why did you choose this career path?
My dad was a Navy Veteran who went to school on the GI Bill. He spent his entire career teaching and coaching in Iowa. He was a very successful "Hall of Fame" coach. Growing up, I tagged along with him every chance I could. I just knew I wanted to be a teacher and a coach. I never really gave serious consideration to any other career path, and I can honestly say that I have never regretted the decision.

What brought you to UNI?
I would have to say there were two "R factors"... (1) Relationships and (2) Reputation. 

During my 34 year career in pre-k education in Iowa, I had the privilege of working with some great leaders who taught at UNI or attended UNI's administration program. Through those experiences, I developed the absolute highest regard for the people at UNI and their commitment to serving those who aspire to lead and ultimately support the educators, students and families in the state of Iowa. I wanted to be a part of that work.

What's your favorite part about UNI?
I consider it a real privilege to work with great people who want to help and support our students in any way possible. We do so much more than teach classes. We build relationships and serve as a support system for our students that stretches far beyond the time they are in our classes. It is truly a teaching AND mentoring role.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
Honestly, I am not sure I could point to one thing as the greatest accomplishment. I enjoyed and learned so much in every role and area of responsibility with which I have been entrusted. From teaching MS science and coaching high school sports to serving in various administrative / leadership roles to now teaching at the graduate level... I have been thankful for the opportunities and every door that was opened on my behalf. These relationships are without a doubt the greatest reward of this profession... Can I consider that my greatest accomplishment?

PS - I must say that completing my doctorate was my greatest academic accomplishment. My mom was able to see that accomplishment fulfilled. I also know my dad would have been proud. 

If involved in research, what is your area(s) of interest, and what drove your interest in this area?
My dissertation research focused on the impact of Iowa's standards-based teacher evaluation system on professional practices. It was a significant study in that it involved a state-wide representative survey of both teachers and administrators. I was fortunate that I was invited to share the outcomes and recommendations of the study with Iowa's Teacher Evaluation Task Force in 2011-2012. The study also received significant recognition from the Educational Leadership Program at Western Illinois University.

What does being student-focused mean to you?
Teaching at the graduate level... I think this means that we acknowledge and recognize that our students have already had some great experiences in the field. Our students must have an opportunity to learn from each other as well as the instructor. Thus, we must structure our programs (and our classes) in a way that strikes the right balance between instructor-led and student-led learning. As instructors, we must be willing to step back and allow our students to determine the agenda and construct their own meaning. 

As an instructor, I also strive to find the right balance between theory and practice. The reality is that we need both. Telling stories of our experiences can enhance learning but it is not enough. We need both the philosophical framework and the practitioner perspective. Again - it is a matter of finding the right balance.

We talk about helping students realize or even exceed their expectations and potential. What does it mean to you to be part of that process and see the outcome?
This is such a key role for a teacher and a mentor. I can think of several instances in my own career when people "saw something in me" that I had not envisioned or even considered. They encouraged me to work hard and helped me stretch my own vision of what might be possible. I am so thankful for their help and guidance.

Having taught at various levels and in various capacities for nearly 40 years... There is no greater feeling than to have someone share their story and how I may have influenced them in some positive capacity. That is why we do this work.  My favorite Lau Tzu quote captures this concept better than I ever could: “When the best leader’s work is done… The people will say, we did it ourselves.”

What do you hope students learn from you?
I honestly hope that students learn that there are many ways to make a difference, and there are many ways to define success. In education, our most valuable resources are the people we work with every day. One of the most important roles of a school leader is to make sure everyone knows how much we value them as individuals and appreciate the great work that they do. And... the best leaders tend to be the best listeners.

What advice do you have for prospective/current students to make the most of their time at UNI?
Don't be afraid to explore uncharted pathways. If something scares us or intimidates us a little, then we should think about trying it. We learn from every experience- both the successful and the not-so-successful. If we are learning, there is no such thing as failure unless we stop trying.