Investing in Tomorrow: Kim Guest’s Dedication to the Academies at Moore High School
As retirement approaches, many envision managing their nest egg and savoring the fruits of their labor. For Kim Guest, however, retirement presented an opportunity for a different kind of investment–one with potentially greater returns than any financial portfolio. After concluding a successful career as an educator in Michigan, Mrs. Guest chose to reinvest her expertise and passion for student success at Moore High School. This decision to delay traditional retirement wasn’t just a career move; it was a calculated investment in the next generation of workforce leaders. Mrs. Guest’s choice demonstrates her belief that the most valuable dividends come from investing in students’ potential.
A Career in the Wolverine State
Mrs. Guest’s journey into teaching was inspired by her real-world business experience. While she was in high school, her economics and government teacher Mr. Tim Franklin instilled in her a passion for the business world, one that carried into her work experience. She tried working in food services but realized that her passion lay in the world of business, so she instead worked as a secretary in a psychology office then as an office manager at a plastics factory. She studied Business Administration and Management at Detroit College of Business - Flint, which prepared her to manage a family-owned bridal shop for seven years.
Noticing that many of her young employees weren’t prepared for the workforce, she developed a desire to make a difference in the classroom, leading her to pursue a career in education. In Michigan, Mrs. Guest spent about 20 years as a Business Teacher and found her passion in teaching subjects like insurance, risk management, accounting, and marketing. Her approach to education was always focused on making the classroom a mirror of the real world, emphasizing project-based learning and practical skills. She later advanced to the role of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director, serving in both positions for ten years. In the mornings, she taught in the classroom, while in the afternoons, she fulfilled her responsibilities as CTE Director.
Moving to the Bluegrass State
As Mrs. Guest approached retirement in Michigan, she and her husband planned to move to Kentucky, drawn by the presence of their sons and grandchildren living in Louisville. Their older son, Andrew Guest, serves as an Assistant Principal at Meyzeek Middle School, while their younger son, Adam Guest, teaches fourth-grade English at Hite Elementary School. While planning their move in 2022, Andrew saw the job posting for Academy Coach at Moore High School and sent it to his mom. She began on January 17, 2023–one day after retiring in Michigan. Her husband is a practicing CPA who manages dual practices in Michigan and Kentucky.
“I wasn’t ready to retire. I love education.”
“I wasn’t ready to retire. I love education,” she reflects, and the role of Academy Coach was a perfect fit, mirroring her most recent role as CTE director in Michigan. Her move was seamless, thanks to the federal alignment of Career and Technical Education (CTE) standards, allowing her to bring her expertise and vision to Kentucky without missing a beat. Even in her first week she was able to coordinate exams in healthcare certification.
The walls of Moore High School feature student artwork that represents each Academy.
The Return on Investment: Student Success
Mrs. Guest’s first year focused on strengthening internal relationships, and she is ecstatic to tell about all of the ongoing successes at Moore. She speaks of a dedicated staff, who this year worked together by their respective Academy to plan goals for the year. Due to their collaboration, Moore’s Postsecondary Readiness (PSR) rate has seen a notable increase, with the incoming senior class’s rate already surpassing last year’s rate.
Her outsider perspective also recognizes the unique benefits of the Academies of Louisville. In Michigan, students went to a technology center separate from the school for their CTE classes, creating a sharp division between core and CTE classes. In the Academies of Louisville, however, core and CTE classes are housed under the same roof, creating a more integrated student experience between the classroom and the real world.
A Diverse Portfolio: Pathways and Certifications
The Academies at Moore offer a variety of pathways, each representing a unique investment opportunity for students. The Skilled Trades Construction Electrical TRACK in the STEM Academy, for example, is a hidden gem within the school’s portfolio. Under Mr. Andrew Glasscock’s guidance, twelve students have passed the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Aptitude Test, bypassing the interview process to join the electrical union. Several are now apprentices in IBEW Local 369, on their way to lucrative careers.
One of the most surprising assets within the Academies at Moore is the state-of-the-art medical facility. Designed to mirror a hospital floor with medical-grade equipment, this facility provides students with hands-on experiences that are invaluable in the healthcare field. "JCPS invests in our students," Mrs. Guest notes, highlighting the district's commitment to providing resources that enhance educational outcomes.
Looking Ahead
Mrs. Guest embarks on a new school year with an optimistic view of Moore’s future. Her current focus is on cultivating relationships with business partners, recognizing that these partnerships are critical to the success of the Academies. "Invest your time in working with students," she advises, understanding that these investments yield dividends in the form of student success and community engagement. By blending her business acumen with her dedication to education, Kim Guest is helping to shape a new generation of skilled professionals ready to make their mark on the world.
@AcademiesofLou
@mooremustangs
#KNOWmoore