Meet KDP teacher member Ms. Kimmy Ma. A high school teacher with 15 years of classroom experience and a member of the Chi Epsilon Chapter at Molloy College. As a doctoral scholar in educational leadership, and a Global Justice Fellow at the Sustainability Institute, Ms. Ma bridges the gap between academic research and everyday classroom practice.
A Framework for Belonging
At the heart of Ms. Ma’s work is the Social Artistic Model (SAM), a framework she developed to study how long-term visual arts engagement foster's identity, collaboration, and belonging. Through experiential learning and qualitative inquiry, her research examines how creative practices strengthen community ties and amplify student voice.
"What inspires me most is witnessing the moment when students discover their own voice," Ms. Ma shares. "As a teaching artist, I have seen how creative expression opens powerful pathways for reflection, curiosity, and dialogue. When students realize that their ideas matter and that their perspectives can contribute to meaningful conversations, their confidence and engagement grow."
This philosophy drives her community initiatives. Through programs like “One Stroke Many Voices” and the Greater Good in Art exhibition, Ms. Ma facilitates communal art-making experiences that bring students, educators, and families together. Her initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
"My teaching philosophy is rooted in experiential learning, where students learn by exploring ideas, experimenting with materials, and reflecting on their experiences," she explains. "I am interested in how creativity helps students think critically, collaborate meaningfully, and connect learning to their own lived experiences."
Finding a Shared Purpose in KDP
Balancing a high school classroom with doctoral research requires a strong support system. As a member of KDP, Ms. Ma found a professional community that mirrors her belief that educational excellence requires both academic rigor and relational care.
"Being part of the KDP community has strengthened my identity as both an educator and a scholar," says Ms. Ma. "KDP connects me with educators who value both research and classroom practice, reminding me that teaching is not an isolated effort, but a collaborative profession rooted in shared purpose. Through KDP, I am inspired to continually reflect on my teaching and engage in conversations with educators who are committed to improving learning experiences for students. The support of the KDP community motivates me to continue bridging research and practice so that creative and experiential learning can thrive both inside and outside the classroom."
Inspiration on the Move
To keep her teaching fresh, Ms. Ma maintains her own creative practice through painting and drawing, viewing it as essential to staying connected to the artistic processes she asks her students to navigate.
She also travels abroad several times a year to experience new cultures firsthand.
"I believe that traveling thousands of miles can teach us as much as reading thousands of books, because experiencing other cultures firsthand broadens our understanding of people, traditions, and communities," Ms. Ma reflects. "These experiences inspire my teaching and remind me that learning happens everywhere—in conversations, cultural traditions, and shared community experiences."
Whether guiding a high school student, analyzing doctoral research, or collaborating on a global sustainability initiative, Ms. Ma remains anchored by a simple truth:
"Teaching is both an intellectual pursuit and a deeply human one—an opportunity to nurture curiosity, empathy, and imagination in every learner."
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