EduCurious Interview with Karen Kirkner: K is for Kindness

What does a 47-year career in education, spanning roles from PE teacher to librarian and impacting students from preschool through college, look like? For Karen Kirkner, it looks like a journey fueled by acceptance, innovation, and a profound belief in the power of kindness. Though she initially never imagined herself as a teacher, a combination of interest in physical education and psychology led her down a path she embraced wholeheartedly, loving every minute until her retirement at age 75.Originally envisioning a path in secondary PE and coaching, Kirkner’s journey unfolded dynamically. Early experiences teaching PE—first secondary, then elementary—revealed the unique joys of different age groups. She cherished the infectious enthusiasm of younger students ("They love everything that you introduce") and the challenge of motivating older ones. Her path led through public and private schools, a stint teaching college ("The neatest thing about college is they are responsible"), and even running a preschool movement program during a break. Seeking a change later in her career, she pursued a Master's in Library Science, navigating the "uphill journey" of mastering technology to transition successfully into her role as a media specialist, while still finding ways to coach sports on the side.Central to Kirkner's decades of success is a deeply held philosophy rooted in acceptance and respect. "The most important thing to me as an educator is to be accepting... accepting of everyone regardless of anything," she shared. This genuine care resonates deeply, evidenced by countless student notes highlighting her kindness and the creation of the "Spirit of the Heart" award in her honor upon retirement. Inspired by psychologist Haim Ginott, she emphasizes listening to students and addressing behavior, not blaming the child. This kindness, however, is paired with high expectations and preparedness – knowing her subject matter and adapting lessons are crucial components of effective teaching.This student-centered approach manifested in creative, engaging programs. As a PE teacher, she introduced activities like archery and field hockey, drawing on her own experiences. As a librarian, her class wasn't just about checking out books; it involved dynamic projects like biography bottles, Lincoln-Douglas debates, and wildly popular lunchtime book clubs that boasted nearly 80% participation. She even created innovative "MakerKits" for students to check out, fostering hands-on learning at home, and remarkably coached a chess club from its inception to a first-place regional victory.Having officially retired, Kirkner hasn't entirely left the classroom. Encouraged to try substitute teaching, she finds it a rewarding way to stay engaged and active, enjoying the flexibility and supportive school environments. Her advice to those considering education reflects her own fulfilling experience: "Give it a chance... you may find it's the best thing you've ever done. The rewards are daily and endless." Karen Kirkner's story is a testament to a career lived with heart, adaptability, and an unwavering focus on student growth and well-being.Whether you're a teacher, a parent, or just EduCurious, join the community as we explore various educational topics and learn from each other. Subscribe so you’ll see the episodes when they drop! https://www.youtube.com/@Edu.Curious.Podcasts?sub_confirmation=1Be SocialWebsite: https://educuriouspod.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Edu.Curious.Podcasts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EduCuriousPod Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/49IJd6WG083nXhZeQWt2hk?si=300fba40fb83456c Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/educurious-pods/id1798666772 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edu.curious.podcasts/ Email: [email protected] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@educuriouspods #LifeLongLearner #EducatorInput#CollaborativePD#LifelongLearning#OnlineLearning#PersonalizedPD#ProfDev#EducatorPD