Hello, my name is Kim Kocaya. I have been teaching science in Temecula, California for 9 years and this will be my fifth year educating Silverhawks at BVMS.  

I am passionate about teaching middle school and hope to instill a lifelong love for science in my students. I have a Master of Arts Degree in Education from Azusa Pacific University, with a teaching credential in General Science. Besides teaching science, I also coach the school's Science Olympiad team, and in the past I have received the Outstanding Coach's Award for taking teams to the state level. 

As a lifelong learner who is always in pursuit of enhancing my teaching  abilities, I have been blessed with some notable acheivements. I am a DuPont Challenge winning teacher, where teachers are awarded for inspiring students in STEM research and communication. Last year, I was proud to show my students by example how to step outside of their comfort zone and take risks; as I led a team of students to become the first ever "Shop Class Champs" on the Disney+ competition show, Shop Class. Most recently, I wrote an article for NSTA (National Science Teachers Association) titled, Practice What You Teach, and was chosen for their "Member Spotlight."

More personally, I am a wife and mother to four amazing kids. My eldest two Megan and Brock are now adults and persuing their dreams. My middle son Jacob just graduated from Great Oak and is a baseball player at MSJC. My youngest son Dean attends school in Temecula and will be entering the fourth grade. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring the great outdoors, watching my boys play baseball, boating, and fishing. Recently, I have taken on a new tech hobby: designing and creating with my 3D-Printer. Current print jobs include fishing lures and face shields.

As a teacher, I promise to continue learning and striving to be the best teacher I can be!