Meet Kyle Hamstra
Husband • Dad • Coach • 25-Year Educator • Sports Fan • Purdue & East Carolina Alum • IN ▶️ NC
Greetings from a Hoosier native! I was born and raised in DeMotte, Indiana, and I graduated from Purdue University. I have two parents, two brothers, one sister, four nephews, and four nieces. I’m honored to be the husband of an Assistant Principal, Leann Hamstra. Together, we love being parents. So far, we have two sons: Myals (11-9-17) and Jasper (10-28-22).
After relocating to Cary, North Carolina, in 2002, I was fortunate to teach fifth grade math and science at Davis Drive Elementary for fourteen years. For the next five years, I worked in another dream position, this time crafting learning experiences as a STEM specials teacher. It was an honor serving the Davis Drive community as a Teacher; After School Director; Science Chair; and WeatherBug Coordinator for nearly two decades. I’m still passionate about facilitating and enhancing student learning experiences through inquiry, technology, and hands-on activities.
In May, 2020, I earned my Masters in School Administration (MSA) degree from East Carolina University.
On July 1, 2021, I got the opportunity to serve in a new role as an Instructional Facilitator at West Lake Middle School in Apex, North Carolina. This opportunity grew my skills in leadership and fueled my passions for curriculum and collaboration. In this transition, I shifted from elementary school to middle school; from the traditional school calendar to a multi-track, year-round calendar; and from the classroom teacher mindset to an additional, administrative mindset. I absolutely love supporting, coaching, learning from, learning alongside, and collaborating with teachers to become better in serving all school community members.
I’m honored to be a 2016 ASCD Emerging Leader, a member of the North Carolina Digital Leaders Coaching Network, and a connected educator with countless opportunities to learn from others across several networks. While I have taken a break from the road since March, 2020, I have enjoyed presenting at conferences like ASCD, NSTA, ISTE, and NCTIES over the last decade.
On July 1, 2022, I got the opportunity to serve as an Assistant Principal and Founding Member of Herbert Akins Road Middle School, a brand new, multi-track, year-round, middle school. Nighthawks began #takingflight2022 on July 7, 2022.
On July 1, 2024, I returned to the classroom–this time, as a 6th Grade Math Teacher at Apex Friendship Middle School. This has allowed me to spend a lot more time with my family, including our two young sons. I’m so grateful to have this time with them!
In addition to spending time with family, I also enjoy coaching youth sports; doing yard work and home projects; going to the beach; fishing; blogging; watching sports; researching weather; connecting with fellow educators and friends; and serving on the Marbles Kids Museum Educator Advisory Group.