Teaching is Carol’s second career, having first worked as a product development engineer for the paper industry for ten years. When the economic downturn closed the research facility of her company, Carol switched to marketing for a tech company, being equally adept at speaking with engineers and with customers seeking solutions. When her family moved to Olympia, Carol reflected on her career and evaluated new options, becoming certified to teach math and chemistry through the Alternate Routes to Teaching Program Pacific Lutheran University. She began teaching at Capital High School in 2006 and has “not looked back since.”
A lifelong learner eager to incorporate best practices, Carol became inspired by watching a master teacher using cooperative groups in a middle school math program. She wanted that energy in her classroom. A “Complex Instruction” course motivated her further to incorporate a community agreement, which encourages her students to talk about math, ask questions, take risks, and manage their own behavior. Five years into teaching, Carol earned her National Board Certification, a process that helped her to reflect and focus on how she can best affect student learning. She now serves as a mentor teacher, department head, testing coordinator, and has even testified before the legislature on state testing issues.
Outside of the classroom, Carol has volunteered at Barb’s Community Dinners for ten years, serving the homeless and those on the margins of society. She works at the Kiwanis Gardens to supply the Thurston County Food Bank with fresh produce and has been a cook at the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen. At each of these events, she has come across students from her school—both as recipients and as volunteers—which keeps her mindful of how very different their lives may be from hers.
A living example of how education impacts career opportunities, Carol is a strong proponent of job shadowing and internships, not only to help at-risk students stay in school, but also to inspire college-bound kids to explore the job market. Carol advocates developing partnerships with businesses in the community such as Olympia’s GRUB (Garden Raised Urban Bounty) program and AT&T’s national Aspire model, which develops mentor relationships. A role model for both students and colleagues, Carol “listens well, builds consensus, and finds alternate paths to equitable solutions.” As an industry professional, outstanding teacher, and generous colleague, Carol is a testament to risking that alternate path.
