Henrico's Top Teachers – Kaley Fore

Twenty-seven years teaching experience, in four different states, teaching in every subject and at almost every grade level K-12, is nothing short of an impressive resume.

Add in traveling to all 50 states and several countries by the the time she was 18 years old, and you get Kaley Fore, a third-grade teacher at Glen Lea Elementary school.

Born in a military family, Fore's desire to teach came from her father.

“My dad was kind of a natural teacher,” she said. “We explored every single thing the state we were in had to offer.”

Moving around gave Fore the opportunity to experience many different cultures and teaching styles – both things she strives to introduce to her students.

From an early age she knew she wanted to work with kids or animals. Teaching fell into place when she realized she wanted to share her knowledge of the world with children.

“I want all of my kids to know what this world has to offer,” she said. “Because a lot of my students just have what's around them, and I want them to see the world.”

Ensuring that she passes along this knowledge isn’t always a simple task. Fore has found difficulty making sure that she reaches every student and has learned that sometimes it's impossible to understand the difference she is making until years later.

Although that part of her job isn't easy, Fore finds special reward in seeing what her students become in life. Social media has allowed her to see what her former students are doing with their lives.

“Kids still reach out,” she said. “My former students who are in their thirties now, to see them become doctors, travel to other countries, open businesses – you know you've done something.”

In her 27 years, Fore has also learned that no child in her class has ever been the same, and they never come from the same place. This requires her to adapt constantly in order to cater to the needs of each one.

“The teachers that stay in this profession, they do it because they love these kids and they want these kids to have a great education so they can have better lives,” Fore said.

Fore's impact has not gone unnoticed.

“Her support is overwhelming and encouraging,” one student wrote in a nomination. “I have learned what kind of educator I aspire to be from Ms. Fore’s teaching and classroom.”

Although she has received much praise from students Fore says that she could not do her job alone.

“I couldn't do anything that I’ve done without the amazing staff at my school,” Fore said. “It is truly a team effort.”

Fore's lessons stretch beyond the classroom, too. She is involved in community service and shares the efforts with her students. This year, she began a recycling program and joined with another Glen Lea teacher to create a community garden.

“Teaching is powerful,” Fore said. “I want each kid to end up with a love of learning.”