John Kirts first joined Lake Ridge in August of 2023 and teaches English III and IV. His journey for education was shaped by mentors and a deep passion for language.
“I’ve had a number of really influential people in my life, specifically a few of my teachers in my undergrad at Wabash College. Teachers are who inspired me to think and reflect critically on my own experiences and therefore empower me to be a more actualized person in the world, to know where I could fit it,” said Kirts.
Kirts, originally from Indiana, moved to Texas in 2020 to pursue graduate studies. He earned a masters degree from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University after completing undergraduate studies at Wabash College with a double major in Spanish and Religion.
Before arriving at Lake Ridge, he gained valuable experience working with English language learners as a long-term substitute at the Newcomers Academy in Fort Worth.
“Being in that kind of a space and working with students who are actively trying to learn a language, learn a culture, and adapting to so many differences and changes, was a process that I felt like I could be a really good presence and be empathetic while also trying to encourage learning and growth, especially in a new environment,” said Kirts.
At Lake Ridge, Kirts quickly became an important part of the English department.
“Apart from being recognized for teacher of the month in February, some of the smaller parts that really matter to me are I’ve been able to successfully navigate being the team lead of the English IV team here and work with a curriculum that was largely new to me,” said Kirts.
Reflecting on what fuels his passion, Kirts remembers the moments when students overcame self-doubt and began to thrive. He shared the story of one student in particular who transferred into his class from an AP course mid-semester
“They thought they were always really bad at English and that it was a struggle for them,” Kirts said. “Since moving into my class, they’ve really become one of the more consistent students who really engages with the material and has a sharp critical eye for reading in English. I hope that that kind of space that we’ve had in my class has been an encouragement to them.”
As an educator who only has been teaching for a few years, Kirts emphasizes the importance of balance.
“Set good boundaries about when to work and when not to work, and to know that even though the work is not done, there has to be times for rest that you create for yourself in the midst of all of that,” Kirts said. “You cannot pour from an empty cup, and to serve students and to serve our community, you have to have something to pour from. That means prioritizing your own kind of rest.”
As the school year moves forward, Kirts’s commitment to his students and his work continues to make a lasting impact. His February Teacher of the Month award serves as a reflection of both his dedication and the positive space he creates in his classroom every day.
