Q&A: George Cromwell Elementary Teacher Kris Hemmings

Patch caught up with first-grade teacher Kris Hemmings in December after 's second annual .

I stopped the Severn resident to ask her .

Glen Burnie Patch: How long have you been in education?
Kris Hemmings: I've been teaching for 20 years—all at Cromwell.

Glen Burnie Patch: What made you choose to go into education?
Hemmings: I come from a family of educators and just my love of young children and being able to help them grow.

Glen Burnie Patch: How did you choose to teach at the elementary level?
Hemmings: I loved my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Thomas. She was so creative and so inspiring. And I felt like my talents would be better met in [the elementary level]. I just love to see their little faces light up when they get something.

Glen Burnie Patch: Where did you go to high school? College? What degree do you hold?
Hemmings: I went to in Pasadena]—once a cougar always, a cougar! I went to [] and then Bowie State [University]. My degree is in early education, K-3.

Glen Burnie Patch: What do you like to do in your free time?
Hemmings: I like being with my daughter, spending time with my family and friends. And I like cooking, sewing and reading.