Interview with Karen Festa, Teacher of the Year
Upon finding out you were chosen as the Teacher of the Year, what were some of the first thoughts to run through your mind?
How honored I was to be chosen as Teacher of the Year. I am sharing this award with my family, our students, and my colleagues. I believe they work just as hard and I would not be who I am today without them and their unconditional love and support.
Where are you originally from?
I am originally from Connecticut. I studied at Salve Regina University receiving an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education. I continued to pursue my education in Rhode Island obtaining a master's degree in Special Education as well as certification in Special Education Administration. I was (still am) passionate about starting my career right out of college and landed my first teaching job in Cranston seventeen years ago.
How long have you been with the Narragansett School System and what is your current role?
I have been blessed to work in Narragansett for 10 years as a Special Education Teacher.
What has been your experience here in the Narragansett School System?
My experiences in Narragansett range from working as a special education teacher in grades K-4. In addition, I have experience working with RITAP and the Rhode Island Department of Education on creating a UDL based ELA CCSS K-5 training module for teachers, a member of the RIDE Mathematics Advisory Board, a member of the RI Learning Champions initiative working with K-12 educators and specialists creating ELA proficiency based tasks and assessments, and a PREP-RI Reviewer with the Rhode Island Department of Ed reviewing the university special education teacher preparation programs in Rhode Island. On a personal note, I am currently pursuing my certification in Dyslexia Knowledge and Practice through the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Education Program.
Do any experiences stand out throughout your time here?
I have been serving on the PBIS Committee for 10 years. I love planning assemblies and enriching activities for students and staff. One of my favorite events was the basketball shoot-out. The staff would dress up and shoot out vs. either the high school students and in one year, the URI basketball players. One game, we rolled a teacher out in a wheelchair while dressed in tu-tu's. We also borrowed a ladder from maintenance so we could have a closer advantage to the hoop. I love to planning little skits to surprise the students, like last year when Mrs. CJ and I dressed up and sang a rap on the last day of school. I love hearing laughter and cheering from the stands. It's also important for me to give back to our amazing staff. Last year, Mrs. Mitchell and I created a holiday themed "cocoa mobile" to deliver surprise treats to staff. Anytime I can put a smile on someones face or perhaps brighten their day with a sprinkle of positivity is a day-maker moment for me!
What's one of your favorite things about teaching here?
One of the greatest gifts to me as a teacher in the Narragansett School District is our extremely supportive community. I am truly blessed to work with amazing students and their families. I am also fortunate to have support from our community which helped fund grants in the past which provided opportunities for our students to enrich their learning experiences inside and outside of our classrooms. I love surprising students at local sporting events, meeting them for play dates in the park, and giving them high fives and hugs at local businesses.
Do you have any talents/hobbies outside of the school day or during the summer that you like to enjoy?
Outside of the school day, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two phenomenal daughters (ages 8 & 5). I burn off my excessive amount of energy by running and working out at Manic Training. I also love reading books, singing & dancing, traveling with my family, and helping others in need.
Do you have anything you're looking forward too in the upcoming school year?
This upcoming school year I am looking forward to working with the Grade 4 team. I've been percolating some fun ideas for the school year and cannot wait to share them with our students. They truly light up my world!
