The Kansas Speech Communication Association (KSCA) named Kim Heath, longtime speech, debate, and forensics coach at Great Bend High School, Secondary Educator of the Year. The award was presented last Friday evening during the organization’s annual conference and awards banquet in Wichita.
Heath, who teaches speech 1, college public speaking, debate and forensics, has been an educator at Great Bend High School for more than 20 years. Founded in 1939, the KSCA brings together professionals dedicated to the art of effective communication.
A Hoisington native, Heath started debate and forensics under Randy Willis, who was a 2021 inductee of the Kansas Teacher Hall of Fame. It was in his classroom at Hoisington High School that Heath fell in love with debate and forensics and the idea of teaching. She debated at Kansas State University for three years, including as part of the 1991 national championship team.
After graduating from K-State, Heath taught and coached at Scott Community High School for two years and then at Abilene High School for seven years. When Heath began teaching at Great Bend in 2004, she left coaching and spent 14 years teaching various levels of English, allowing her to spend more time at home with her children when they were young. In addition to teaching at GBHS, Heath has also taught for Barton County Academy and worked for the Upward Bound program at Barton Community College.
In the Fall of 2018, when long-time Panther coach Barbara Watson retired, Heath took the opportunity to get to coach her sons and reentered the world of speech and debate. For Heath, one of the highlights of her career has been the opportunity to be with all three of her children as they competed at the national tournament for Great Bend High School’s program.
Heath said she loves coaching forensics and debate because there is something for everybody. “We catch kids from all walks of life and we accept everyone,” she said. “Seeing a student’s potential is contagious, and when they see that we truly believe in their worth and ability, they will rise to meet that expectation. They find their voices and share their story with confidence and clarity. It is magical to watch.”
Great Bend USD 428 Superintendent added his accolades, saying, “Mrs. Heath is an exceptional teacher. Her commitment to students is evident in the classroom and beyond. We’re grateful for her years of service at Great Bend High School.”
Heath is married to Dan Heath, who is a retired GBHS teacher. The KSCA Conference holds a great deal of significance for the couple, as they met there 30 years ago. “We have spent our whole careers assisting each other in bringing out the best in our students,” Heath said.
