Faculty Focus | Prof. Kendra Hinson, Curriculum & Instruction

"As a faculty member and teacher, I believe wholeheartedly in a growth mindset. I believe in each and every student and welcome all learners"

Prof. Kendra Hinson, Curriculum & Instruction Master's Program

Program

  • Curriculum and Instruction (M.S.)
  • Educational Leadership (M.S., Certificate)

Department

  • Education

Please provide a brief bio including your educational and career background.

After being born and raised in North East Pennsylvania, I graduated from Bloomsburg University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary & Special Education

My teaching career began in Northern Virginia where I taught second and third grade for three years before settling in Frederick County, Maryland.  Over my nine years as an Frederick County Public Schools elementary classroom teacher, I have taught multiple grade levels and reading intervention at both Lincoln and Whittier Elementary Schools.

In addition to educating, supporting, and empowering young minds, I was fortunate to write grants and organize various STEM events and clubs for students at Whittier ES. These experiences helped students appreciate and apply real life science concepts and make connections through local organizations and businesses. 

As faculty, do you have a certain mindset, theory, or teaching style? What would you like your students to take away from your classes? 

As a faculty member and teacher, I believe wholeheartedly in a growth mindset. I believe in each and every student and welcome all learners. My teaching style is very student-centered and based on brain research.

As an adjunct professor for the Curriculum and Instruction Program, I think it is absolutely imperative to talk to my students about how they learn and personalize their learning experiences. I empower them to take challenges and encourage students to reflect on their learning, make changes, and refine again through an evolving process. I urge my students to discover their passions and empower them to make learning meaningful.

Finally, my goal is to provide numerous opportunities for students to access information in different ways, and learn content by gaining an appreciation for how they learn and applying that knowledge. I value the relationships that I develop with my students and enjoy learning from them.

Why did you choose to teach at Hood College? 

I truly loved my graduate experience at Hood College.

To be able to teach at Hood College was a dream come true and real honor!  My goal has always been to work within the community I live in and Hood College is a family oriented campus that gives me this opportunity.  As a faculty member, I am able to meet more students, build stronger relationships, and support the Frederick community.

What is special to you about the Frederick area?

Over the past 17 years I have seen the beautiful Frederick area grow! I have loved the many small businesses and ability to live near a rural area yet travel a few minutes into a cute city where I can see the fruit of labor of many Frederick natives.

My husband and I love Frederick so much that we got married downtown at the Delaplaine Arts Center - we were thrilled and excited to share all that Frederick had to offer with our family and friends.  From the restaurants, to local businesses, and the diverse community, we knew that Frederick was the perfect place for us to settle and raise a family.

Any other relevant or interesting information that you would like to share? What do you do in your spare time?

My husband Joe and I have been married for 7 years. We met at Hood College in our graduate program for Educational Leadership and Administration.  We both have a passion for children and teaching!  He is an Assistant Principal in Frederick County. 

We have twin girls who are four and will be starting kindergarten in August.  We love spending time together as a family, playing outdoors, going on nature hikes, fostering our daughters’ love of experimenting, and exploring all the amenities that Frederick offers.

Inspired by this story & ready to #GOFURTHER in your education and career? Learn more about our Curriculum and Instruction M.S. and other graduate programs by clicking here.