A 13-year teaching veteran in the Kansas City Public Schools system, Kevin Bair has inspired and educated hundreds of students, while helping prepare them for the next chapters of their lives. For the past six years, Bair has been teaching at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, and serving many roles. He began as an English teacher, but has transitioned into his current role, which is teaching yearbook, graphic design and journalism. On top of all that, he’s also the school’s head baseball coach and assistant football coach.
Bair’s ability to adapt and serve in many capacities has allowed him to share his knowledge and expertise with a wide range of students. This has helped him create lifelong memories that extend far beyond the classroom and athletic fields.
“One of my proudest moments was when a former student and athlete called me to let me know he was going to propose to his girlfriend and wanted my help shopping for a wedding ring,” said Bair. “The relationships built with students and athletes where they let you know years later that you helped them and they appreciate what you did for them makes education worth everything it is today.”
Authenticity is a key piece of advice that Bair received when he first began his education journey. The constant reminder to always be authentic and to be yourself goes a long way. This includes that ability to embrace all of your attributes, as well as your faults, which Bair passes down to those he educates.
“I teach my students that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as we learn from them,” said Bair. “If you can learn from your mistakes, problem solve, and be flexible, there’s not much that can take you down.”
While every school has its own unique style and personality, Bair’s gratitude and appreciation for Lincoln College Preparatory Academy shouldn’t go unnoticed. Between the supportive faculty and teaching peers, it’s the students that make it an unrivaled institution.
“The best part about teaching at Lincoln Prep (and every school I’ve been fortunate enough to teach at) is the students,” said Bair. “Lincoln has a very accepting student population where students are encouraged to be themselves and have fun while also excelling academically and athletically.”
To further emphasize Bair’s strong impression on those he teaches, his nominator for the Blue KC Sporting Samaritan program was one of his own students. It’s these kinds of special bonds that emphasize how important Bair’s (and all teacher’s) role is with their students.
“Mr. Bair has been a father figure for me and treats all of his students and athletes as his own, said Bair’s nominator and student, Christopher Harmon. “He has taught me kindness, compassion, and hard work through his actions. Do you need a ride to practice? Need help with schoolwork? Need someone to talk to and just be there for you? Mr. Bair is that guy. I have been taught and coached by him for 4 years and there has never been a time where he has not been there for me. He is the person I strive to be when I grow up. I couldn't have asked for a better person to lead me in the right direction throughout my high school career.”
“Being nominated by an exceptional student, outstanding athlete, and an even better young man in Christopher Harmon is humbling,” said Bair. “He’s a person who goes above and beyond in all of his classwork, and on the field and court. He has an infectious personality that brings smiles to those around him.”
“The fact that one of Kevin’s students took the time to nominate him for the Blue KC Sporting Samaritan award further exemplifies the lasting impact Kevin is making in his classroom,” said Christina Lively, Blue KC Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “It speaks volumes to the character, personality and leadership qualities that Kevin possesses. We’re honored to recognize him as this month’s Blue KC Sporting Samaritan winner and look forward to following Kevin’s teaching journey for many years to come.”
Blue KC Sporting Samaritans will continue to be recognized monthly at Children’s Mercy Park during Sporting home games this season. Fans are encouraged to nominate teachers and students who are making a positive impact on their schools and communities by using the form online at https://www.sportingkc.com/BlueKC.
