By Science & Arts Academy
 | As Director of Teaching and Learning, Karen Boyle manages the day-to-day operations that relate to teaching and learning at Science & Arts Academy. For nearly 25 years, Karen has been working as a teacher and administrator in independent schools. Her belief that relationships are critical to a child's ability to learn guides her approach to education. “Our best learning occurs when we step outside of our comfort zone, challenge ourselves, and accept the risk of making a mistake. When children feel connected to their teachers, they are more apt to do these things." |
After earning her Bachelor's degree in elementary education and psychology from Washington University in St. Louis, Karen taught third grade for two years at Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal School in Memphis. Later, Karen returned to her hometown of St. Louis and began teaching science and social studies to elementary students at Rossman School. After two and a half years at Rossman, Karen became the Lower School Director and served in that capacity for nearly 16 years. While at Rossman, Karen earned a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Saint Louis University.
In 2016, Karen relocated to the Chicago area to be closer to family and transitioned to DaVinci Academy, a school for gifted children, as a pre-kindergarten teacher and school administrator. But in 2017, Karen discovered Science & Arts Academy and accepted the role of Director of Teaching and Learning.
Karen collaborates with teachers and support staff to ensure the most effective student learning and looks at strategic issues around teaching. She manages the process of monitoring student progress in order to provide an appropriate level of challenge for our high-ability students. Karen invests a great amount of time in classrooms getting to know students and their individual needs, as well as observing teachers and guiding best instructional practices, which includes differentiated instruction.
Karen works closely with the Curriculum Coordinator leading the ongoing review and revisions of the official SAA curriculum. She also helps to facilitate student experiences like the middle school retreat and hallmark trips. She is also part of the team dedicated to the hiring and training of new teachers. “I feel so fortunate to spend each day with such a talented faculty in a school that is truly committed to doing what is best for children.”
Karen values relationships with students and families and she is often found spending time in classrooms, dropping in to lunch and recess, and reading to our kindergarteners. Karen’s interest in working in gifted education stems from her own experiences as a child attending an elementary school that did not have adequate programming to meet her needs. Consistently finishing her work ahead of others, she often found herself helping out in the special education preschool classroom. This sparked a love of teaching and strengthened her commitment to ensuring that all students have the benefit of a challenging and differentiated curriculum that meets their academic and social-emotional needs.
You can reach out to Karen directly at kboyle@scienceandartsacademy.org.
In 2016, Karen relocated to the Chicago area to be closer to family and transitioned to DaVinci Academy, a school for gifted children, as a pre-kindergarten teacher and school administrator. But in 2017, Karen discovered Science & Arts Academy and accepted the role of Director of Teaching and Learning.
Karen collaborates with teachers and support staff to ensure the most effective student learning and looks at strategic issues around teaching. She manages the process of monitoring student progress in order to provide an appropriate level of challenge for our high-ability students. Karen invests a great amount of time in classrooms getting to know students and their individual needs, as well as observing teachers and guiding best instructional practices, which includes differentiated instruction.
Karen works closely with the Curriculum Coordinator leading the ongoing review and revisions of the official SAA curriculum. She also helps to facilitate student experiences like the middle school retreat and hallmark trips. She is also part of the team dedicated to the hiring and training of new teachers. “I feel so fortunate to spend each day with such a talented faculty in a school that is truly committed to doing what is best for children.”
Karen values relationships with students and families and she is often found spending time in classrooms, dropping in to lunch and recess, and reading to our kindergarteners. Karen’s interest in working in gifted education stems from her own experiences as a child attending an elementary school that did not have adequate programming to meet her needs. Consistently finishing her work ahead of others, she often found herself helping out in the special education preschool classroom. This sparked a love of teaching and strengthened her commitment to ensuring that all students have the benefit of a challenging and differentiated curriculum that meets their academic and social-emotional needs.
You can reach out to Karen directly at kboyle@scienceandartsacademy.org.
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