Kim Philipsen
Years at OCCS: 2008-Present
Educational Background: In 2003, I graduated with an Elementary Education BA. In addition to this BA degree, I have a middle school endorsement and a minor in music education. In 2019 I completed a TAG Endorsement from Buena Vista University and continued on to get my Masters in Teaching and Leadership in 2021.
Professional Experience: I taught at Hull Christian School in Hull, Iowa for 5 years. While there I taught 5-8 general music and band. I also was the 6th grade homeroom teacher and taught a variety of subjects in the middle school. During my years at OCCS I have taught language arts classes to 6th and 7th grade students and Bible to 5th and 6th graders. In 2017 I began a whole new adventure as the coordinator of STEPS, OCCS's program for students who need an academic challenge! STEPS has expanded during my time at OCCS, and I now work with students from first through eighth grades. This position continues to challenge me in new and exciting ways, and I hope that each day I am a blessing to the students God places in my classroom.
Family: I am married to Brent Philipsen. We have been married for 23 years. God has blessed us with three children (ages 18, 15, and 12).
Faith Statement: God has given me a wonderful calling to teach his covenant children and to help them become wise. This calling is fulfilled in partnership with the home and the church. We work together to "train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it."
Church Membership: I joyfully worship at Redeemer United Reformed Church where I love to play piano for worship services and lead the Sunday School children in singing God's praises. I also am involved in our church's choir and Bible studies.