Radle Retires

After 14 years across two terms of service teaching some of Gilman’s youngest students, Ms. Kim Radle Retires. 

Ms. Radle’s illustrious career was defined by involvement in all aspects of Gilman life. She was lucky enough to experience Gilman through the lens of a parent, a member of the parents association, a substitute teacher, and a full-time teacher. Following teaching in public schools, Ms. Radle decided to take her teaching talents to Gilman in 2009 after experiencing the Gilman culture while being a parent to Teddy Radle ‘17. She taught at Gilman from 2009 to 2016, and then she returned to Gilman in 2018. 

Immediately after joining the Gilman teaching staff, Ms. Radle had a profound impact on the Lower School. Due to her outstanding teaching as a substitute, Ms. Radle was offered a full-time teaching job and immediately accepted. 

As a second-grade teacher, Ms. Radle became an immediate favorite with students and parents. Students from nine years ago, like Ethan Derman ‘26 and Colton Danielczyk ‘26, who still remember their time with her. When talking with Ethan Derman ‘26, he had nothing but nice words, saying, “My 2C days were legendary. Ms. Radle [was] super nice and fun!” Colton Danielczyk ‘26 remembers Ms. Radle as “the nicest teacher I have ever had!” Although her students in the distant past remember her fondly, her more recent students love her even more. Emmet “Wish” Knapp ‘32 recalled time in 4th grade with her, saying, it was “the best class I have ever had.” 

Ms. Radle’s favorite thing about Gilman is how her relationships with students develop. As a Lower School teacher, Ms. Radle gets to know students from a young age and sees them develop into young men of character. Ms. Radle enjoyed interacting with her previous students at athletic games, lunch, and even in the hallways. 

Moreover, this past year, Ms. Ralde got the opportunity to go on Senior Retreat. During the retreat, Ms. Radle was blown away by how many students recognized and remembered her. So many of her previous students came up to her, and they reminisced on the good times they had together. Ms. Radle recalls Senior Retreat as one of her greatest Gilman experiences. 

Ms. Radle will miss spending time in the home room, field trips, and athletic events. But most of all, Ms. Radle will miss the people. Ms. Radle gave a special shout-out to fellow teachers Ms. Hudson and Ms. Levenson. She thanks them for making her time at Gilman all the more memorable. 

During her retirement, Ms. Radle plans on spending time with her family and friends and getting a puppy. Ms. Radle tells students to “not be afraid” but also to “take [school] seriously.” Ms. Radle also advises new teachers to “take a step back and let Gilman happen to you,” and for new teachers to “feel the full experience and see what you can add.” 

Next year, Gilman School will feel emptier without the radiant teaching personality of Ms. Radle, and we all wish her the best in her retirement.