Karen Mosier
MACUL Outstanding Educator of the Year
Allendale Public Schools, Allendale, Michigan
District Director of Media Services

My teaching philosophy
Teaching is a profession that is truly a calling. It allows you to touch the lives of many and to see your work have both instant impact and a long-term affect. I believe good teaching requires constant adaptation to students and to technology and method changes.

My philosophy in action
I am always on the lookout for ways to make courses and the way they are taught relevant to our students in their daily lives. I feel even ancient history can be exciting and relevant if framed by, and related to, contemporary life. My job is to act as a conduit between innovative ideas, equipment, and procedures that appear every day and the classroom teacher. I work with them to engage their students and provide resources for both teacher and students.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
While in the classroom, my greatest feeling of accomplishment came when I was asked to be the commencement speaker for the alternative education program in our district. I taught a few classes there each term incorporating technology and helping them to see the importance of being an informationally literate person.

In my present position, my greatest accomplishment was guiding the high school media center to a 75% circulation increase in the first year. I love to use technology, but I believe the ability to read is the basis for success.

The most critical issues facing educators today
Preparing our students to be lifelong learners is a critical issue. It sounds so cliché, but they have to be prepared to continue to learn when there is no formal schooling required, if they are to be successful and to continue to grow throughout their lives. I see this as an issue that teachers and administrators can work to solve.

Funding of education and the evaluation of schools is the most critical issue that faces society and schools. In the United States (Michigan specifically), we are now struggling to fund programs that are mandated but not paid for and evaluated on a constantly changing scale. It is causing great frustration and, I believe, lowering the quality of education.

Ways to resolve this issue
The basis for funding in Michigan has to be changed. People say we can’t raise taxes—businesses won’t come if that happens. I believe the opposite is true. We must raise our taxes enough to eliminate the constant worry about school funding. Who will move to a state if they aren’t sure their children will be educated without interruption because of lack of funds?

One thought to inspire teachers to succeed
Always look for the way to reach the student who needs something more. This may be the gifted students who often needs an extra challenge or a stimulating conversation or it may be the student who struggles and needs extra help, given in a non-threatening, loving way.

One lesson every student should learn
“I may not know everything—but I know where to look to find it.” That is the motto I repeat many times with every class I work with throughout the year.

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