Chalkboard Champion Jean Kirk Kucska, a secondary school teacher from St. Louis, Missouri, gave her life to protect her students from a gunman. (Photo credit; MEAAW)
In the history of our country, there have been times when an educator has been so dedicated to his or her students that they may even lay down their life to protect them. One of these is Jean Kirk Kuczka, a secondary school teacher from St. Louis, Missouri.
Jean was born in St. Louis on March 7, 1961. As a high school student, she discovered a passion for education while teaching swimming lessons at a local YMCA. Once she graduated from Lindbergh High School, she enrolled at Missouri State University on a field hockey scholarship. There she earned a degree in both physical education and health. As a college student, Jean was a part of the 1979 Missouri State University National Championship Field Hockey team. In 2010, she was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
Once she earned her degrees, Jean taught health and physical education courses at Central Visual & Performing Arts High School. She also coached the school’s Cross Country team. She had been working there since 2008. She loved her job, and she loved her students. In fact, she once said, “I cannot imagine myself in any other career but teaching.” Her career as an educator led to numerous awards, including a national honor recognizing her school’s accomplishments in health and wellness under her leadership.
