For Mr. Theodore Timms, the path to becoming a teacher was not easy. “Based on my SAT and ACT scores, I was not meant to be in college, let alone graduate,” says Theodore Timms. “There were many naysayers. To them, becoming a college graduate was impossible.”
He proved them wrong in 1986, becoming a first-generation graduate of North Texas State University. “That accomplishment was the best I had ever done,” he recalls. It launched a 30-year career that took him from a third-grade classroom—where he was his students' first male teacher—to the principal’s office.
His inspiration was sparked by his own teachers, particularly his 11th-grade Latin instructor, Mr. Vernon Lanctot. “He would always tell me, ‘Get busy, Theodore, or you will get behind.’ He was serious about teaching, and he enjoyed it. That stayed with me.”
Now a retired principal and published author, Timms remains an active substitute administrator and mentor. For him, the work is never finished. “Teaching is a vocation,” he explains. “If you are serious about changing lives, this is the best place to be. You are helping humanity.”
His advice for the next generation is as grounded as his own journey: “Build a relationship with all of your students, no matter who they are. You don’t know it all, so ask questions. Be fair, firm, and friendly. Your students will know if you are not.”
As a KDP Legacy Member, Mr. Timms represents the spirit of excellence found in those who have dedicated over 15 years to the profession. We are honored to showcase his remarkable journey and the impact KDP has had on his life among our collection of inspiring legacy stories.