Welcome to the 2022-2023 School Year! 

Hello!  My name is Teresa Kirby.  I have been in preschool and elementary education for 22 years.  I began my teaching career with a volunteer position in a 4 year old preschool classroom.  It was there that I really developed a passion for teaching, and returned to college at age 42 to pursue a degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Reading K-12 while being a Teacher's Assistant.   I have taught Kindergarten and/or First Grade for the past 12 years.   

My roots for Glendale-Kenly Elementary and the Kenly community run deep.  I am a graduate of "Kenly" Elementary and North Johnston High School.  I have lived in the Kenly area my entire life.  Two of my four children attended Glendale-Kenly as well. 

I have 4 children - 2 boys and 2 girls.  My youngest daughter recently graduated from NCSU (GO PACK!) and is carrying on the teaching tradition.  

I have 6 grandchildren, ages 3 years to 13 years (4 boys and 2 girls), who are the center of this "Mimi's" world! 

I love to travel to new places every chance I get.  My daughters are usually my travel partners because my husband, Curtis, doesn't share my love for traveling.  He prefers to hang out around the family farm.  

My favorite children's author is James Dean, the creator of Pete the Cat - who just happens to be my most favorite children's book character.

School is cool and reading rocks!

Ms. Ebone Leach

I am assisted in the classroom by Ms. Ebone Leach.  She has been working at GKE as an Instructional Assistant for 10 years.  Ms. Leach is also a Johnston County girl, graduating from SSS High School.  Ms. Leach is also a bus driver.  She enjoys traveling and is an avid Duke fan!