Career Roadmap
Karen's work combines: Science, Education, and Teaching / Mentoring
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Marshall High, Marshall, TX
Bachelor's Degree
BS, Earth Sciences
Texas A & M University-College Station
Graduate Degree
MA, Science Teaching and Learning
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education:
Bachelor's Degree: BS, Earth Sciences
Graduate Degree: MA, Science Teaching and Learning
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
Taught in middle school 2 years.
2.
Worked as an assistant geophysicist in oil exploration.
3.
Got married and taught high school 5 more years then moved to Ohio.
4.
Taught 5 mo Had 2 kids by then, worked as a science textbook editor, and then taught for 10. more years.
5.
Got my master's degree and worked for the Ohio Department of Education as a Science Education Consultant.
6.
Moved back to Texas, worked as a Secondary Science Specialist for a large district for 5 years. Went back to teaching and working as an independent science consultant.
7.
I create science education resources that are used by teachers all over the world. I give trainings for science teachers at conventions.
8.
I have 2 grandchildren and 3 stepgrandchildren. I love to go to the beach and camping with my husband and dogs.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Family:
You won't make a lot of money as a teacher.
How I responded:
I've always been able to find work and teaching has opened doors to other opportunities. In addition to teaching, I've written and edited textbooks, conducted professional development for teachers and have an online store of science resources that are downloaded worldwide. In addition, I've had the opportunity to mentor many great kids and adults along the way!
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I had to work my way through college. My parents couldn't support me financially. I was always broke and exhausted from school and working. I refused to give up and finally graduated.