Kimberly Thomas (@kimthomasILSTOY) is the 1000 x 2 + 4² Illinois Teacher of the Year. She is an inductee of the Illinois State University College of Education Hall of Fame. She has devoted her 10 x 2 + 6 years of teaching ensuring kids are loved and have fun while learning math. Kim is the author of Mathivate. Her mathlicious ideas and activities have been published in Scholastic and ASCD Express. Kim currently teaches at the Peoria County Alternative School for those who have been expelled. She also speaks across the nation and presents workshops. You can connect with her on her website at kimthomasILSTOY.com