Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenneth Ware Jr.
Hi Kenneth, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Oldest of my four siblings. I am born and raised in Morrow, Georgia in Clayton County. I am currently a teacher in Clayton County Public Schools giving back to the community that I learned in. This is currently my sixth year teaching. I teach Third Grade at Lake City Elementary School. I was also voted as the Teacher of the Year for this school year at my school. I started my educational journey at Gordon State College where I obtained my Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education. I then went on to get my Bachelor of Science degree at the Kennesaw State University. After KSU, I started my teaching journey as a substitute for a year. During my substitution time, I started my Master’s program at Grand Canyon University. During that program, I started my leadership journey. I became a teacher leader in my school just after my first year of teaching. My first year, I received several awards for top scores in the district as a grade level and 1st place in the district as an individual teacher. After I finished my Master’s I didn’t stop. I obtained my Education Specialists degree from Northcentral University. I have done many different things in education such as summer school, after school program, curriculum writing for the district, been recognized by the Board of Education for first place in the districts Reading Bowl, gone to teacher conferences out of state and several different things along the journey. I recently started a yard sign business. It actually started as me “trying” something for my mom’s birthday in July of 2021. My aunt has a business in Savannah Georgia that was booming so it inspired me to try. Once I did it, I realized how fun it was so I purchased a few more and did it for my dad’s birthday. During this time, I added some actual sports things besides just letters. The teacher in me came out sparking creativity. Suddenly in that moment, I started getting inquiries at the party and even on social media about doing yard signs. After that, the best thing happened. My mother spoke to me about going into business with me and us starting it all the way. That is exactly what I needed.
Since then, we have been doing parties, baby showers, graduations, church events, school events, birthdays, and she even did a Teacher of the Year sign for me. I got the LLC done earlier this year so we are officially in business and have several different memories to help make. I also purchased my first vending machine this year in January that I put under the LLC Ware’s Making Memories. I was able to purchase it during my sitting down period. I got in a head on collision accident in September of 2021. During that time, I had to take off work for weeks, broke my ankle and was in a cast and boot for four months. While I was in that season, my mom kept the business going with putting signs up. All I could do was the planning and booking. Also start my vending machine process. I started the process in October and finalized plans, secured location, and filled with snacks by the end of January. I have so many other ventures that I have planned in education, other machines, and even expanding my yard sign business. However, I feel as though everyone can be inspired by my story. Never stop dreaming and as long as you have a plan in place and pray about it, anything is possible! God is truly amazing and my story is just beginning.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Some struggle I faced was during my substitute process, I had to take a test multiple times in order to start officially teaching. I failed the test by one point, two points, and four points and was ready to give up. That was until my coach at the time decided to bless me and pay for the test. Not only did I end up passing that time but I passed at a higher point. I always appreciate that coach because I was at a giving up point. Another struggle was when I lost my cousin in 2020 suddenly in a car accident. I was with him the night before he passed and all. We were literally like brothers. We talked almost everyday if not everyday and were extremely close. His dad dated my mom’s cousin. Therefore he was a “double cousin”. Which means no matter what family event, he was there whether we came together or not. We were together so much my friends became his friends and his became mine. His passing had me in a dark and confusing place. He was the closest person to me to die unexpectedly. I use his passing as motivation. He was the one to tell me I would win Teacher of the Year before. Who knew the next time that award was given out at my school would the time I would actually be voted to win it. Lastly would be my car accident. It caused me to move, broke my first bone, had to miss several family events also miss school for weeks.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What I do is teach 3rd grade students. Not only do I teach but I encourage and motivate students. What sets me apart is that I have energy and make connections with my students before teaching. During the first week of school, it is about setting expectations. While I am doing this, I am also getting to know my students and even giving them a chance to get to know me. My favorite color where I am from birthdays etc. I also analyze data and build relationships with my coworkers. As an aspiring principal, I have gone above and beyond to try to learn about leadership. When my Assistant Principal was out of work due to her mom passing, I volunteered to help my principal with any tasks that could be done like scheduling. I have always been a compassionate person about everything. Whether on a personal level or professional level, I feel as though we have to do that in order to build relationships.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I read the bible all the time. I am also one to read kid books still. I plan on writing books one day.
Contact Info:
- Email: wmmyardcards2021@gmail.com
- Instagram: salutebigken
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenny.ware.10
