Scott School
Karen Gwaltney
Karen Gwaltney
ELD Team Leader & Teacher
Started Teaching:
Started at Scott: 2011-2012
Bachelor's Degree: Syracuse University
Master's Degree: Syracuse University
Why I Teach: I love the process of creating a relationship with my students and seeing the changes they go through. I also know that I can and do make a difference in the lives of my students. While the curriculum content is important, it is the work I do in getting my students to think about what kind of people they want to be, and what kind of lives they want, that is the more important contribution I make. I firmly believe that getting a quality education makes it possible to have more choices and options in life. My father, born Black and blind, was destined to go to a school to learn how to make brooms. His family did not accept that for him. He went on to become a speaker, educator and national award-winning author – due to getting a high-quality education. I hope to be part of making that possible for as many others as I can
What I Believe: I believe that children thrive best when in a structured, consistent, firm yet caring environment in which they are given a lot of room to experiment, explore and make mistakes without feeling that they have failed. It is the process of experimenting, and even being wrong, in which the most learning and personal growth occurs. Children need opportunities, in a safe and supportive environment, in order to do that.
My Favorite Things: HORSES! I have a newly-found, ever expanding love of horses. I follow a program and philosophy of natural horsemanship that has many parallels and similarities to teaching.
P.S.: As a language arts teacher for ELL students who struggle with reading, I work with my students to help them develop and grow as readers in the few months we have together .
