This fall, KO is excited to welcome a new addition to the English Department, Upper School teacher Kenneth Hincker, who is filling in for English teacher Michelle Caswell during her maternity leave.
Mr. Hincker’s path to the classroom wasn’t a straight line, but rather one filled with curiosity, reflection, and a deep appreciation for the power of language. In high school and college, he originally envisioned himself pursuing a career in law. “My goals were always pre-law,” he explained. “Debate club, conversation in Humanities courses, learning about language and articulating ideas, acting as Scholarship Chair in a fraternity, taking leadership positions at each level – these were really fun activities that I thought would deepen my capabilities for a legal career.”
During the summer of 1998, everything shifted. After scoring well on the LSAT, Mr. Hincker accepted a position teaching and coaching at a summer program for Gifted and Talented students at the University of Virginia. “At the end of that job,” he recalled, “the head of the program said, ‘You’ve made an impact on the students here. Maybe you could consider this thing as a career.’ I had no idea what he meant until he said, ‘This is a teacher’s life. You’d be good at it, as long as you dedicate yourself to getting better.’” That advice stuck with him, and by the spring of 1999, he had turned down law school offers to begin his first teaching position in Baltimore.
Since then, Mr. Hincker has taught in a wide range of environments, from an all-boys school in Baltimore and a boarding school in Virginia horse country to a day school in Savannah, a New England boarding school, and even a specialized program for students with dyslexia and ADHD. Outside of the classroom, he has served as the Executive Director of a tutoring business, written a draft of a book with his father, and guided veterans in the art of fly fishing. “I’ve certainly had some experiences elsewhere,” he reflected, “but KO’s teachers and students stand out against anyone anywhere I’ve worked.”
Mr. Hincker attended the University of Virginia, where he earned a double major in English and American Studies, and later received his master’s degree at Middlebury College. He has also participated in shorter programs at Wake Forest and Columbia University.
When asked what inspired him to teach English specifically, Mr. Hincker spoke passionately about the subject. “Literature and the expression of ideas is an all-encompassing well for self-knowledge and a gift to give students in every English classroom,” he said. “Being an interdisciplinary teacher means I get to learn a bit about everything. Being a curious person means being a student with just a little head start on the kids in your class.”
As he joins KO for the fall term, filling in for English teacher Michelle Caswell during her maternity leave, Mr. Hincker is eager to share his philosophy with students. One of his main goals is to remind students of the lasting importance of reading. “To reinforce the idea that reading books matters,” he stated, “to get them off their silly phones and their internet presence, to remind them that the world existed – and exists – outside of school, but that knowledge is eternally available if you know where and when to look.”
When asked what kind of impact he hopes to have, Mr. Hincker took a thoughtful approach. “Impact isn’t a goal; it’s a result,” he said. “My students and colleagues will decide what that might be after I’ve finished my term.”
Beyond the classroom, Mr. Hincker has many passions. He is a devoted father to his 11-year-old daughter, whom he describes as exceptional. He is also an avid fly fisherman, having guided trips, taught casting, and shared his love of the sport with U.S. veterans. He enjoys writing about the teacher’s life, following European club soccer, and spending time in nature.
Reflecting on his time at KO so far, Mr. Hincker points to the community as the standout feature. “Is it cliché to say ‘the people?’” he questioned. “KO’s teacher and students are incredibly intelligent, hardworking, committed to proper values, and just so much fun to hang out with. These are my kind of folks.”
Mr. Hincker is looking forward to a meaningful semester filled with books, discussions, and new experiences. KO is thrilled to have him join the community and can’t wait to see all that he brings to campus.
