Texarkana Arkansas School District
Proudly serving the Texarkana Arkansas School District (TASD) for 35 years, Karen Cherry-McDowell is beginning another year of positively impacting young lives. Karen teaches second grade at Fairview Elementary, and she defines her purpose as meeting students where they are while being a source of mercy when they make mistakes. “My belief in meeting each student where they are and providing them with the support they need ensures all students, regardless of their background or learning challenges, have equitable access to quality education. I want my students to know that I believe in their capabilities,” Karen says. Students each have a specific style and place in which they learn the best. Karen works to provide the scaffolding and resources each student needs to be successful. “Positive reinforcement and respectful correction help bring out the best in students, which is always my goal,” Karen says.
Karen’s desire for an educational career formed in her early years as she babysat for numerous families and helped in the church nursery. She believes this instilled a solid foundation and natural inclination towards teaching. Karen says, “The joy and excitement I see in children when they learn something new is incredibly rewarding and motivating. This intrinsic reward is one of the many reasons I chose to become a teacher. It’s not just about imparting knowledge but also about fostering a love for learning and making a positive impact on young lives.”
Karen’s fostering love is one of the qualities that led her to be named TASD Teacher of the Year, a remarkable accomplishment for which she is both proud and grateful. “As a product of TASD, this recognition is particularly meaningful to me. I can’t think of a better place for me to teach and positively impact students’ lives.” To earn this recognition, Karen had to learn some invaluable lessons along the way. Reflecting on her journey in education, she sees how the following lessons have profoundly shaped her approach as an educator. “Patience and flexibility have become essential virtues, developed through navigating my students’ diverse needs and learning styles. Each interaction with students of varying abilities and backgrounds has underscored the importance of adapting my teaching methods to support individual growth,” Karen says. “Continuous learning has been a cornerstone of my career. Engaging in professional development opportunities, such as workshops and collaborative sessions with colleagues, has broadened my pedagogical toolkit and kept me informed about evolving educational practices. These experiences highlight the dynamic nature of education, motivating me to enhance my teaching strategies continually. Resilience is another critical lesson learned by facing the challenges inherent in teaching. From setbacks to demanding situations, each obstacle has strengthened my determination to persist with optimism, fostering a resilient mindset supporting personal growth and student success,” Karen says.
Learning these critical lessons, Karen looks forward to the future each day as she is motivated to continue her work in education by seeing the profound impact she can have on student’s lives. Seeing her students grow, learn, and succeed fuels Karen’s passion. Her students’ curiosity, enthusiasm, and determination inspire Karen daily to remain in education. That inspiration is key as all educators face challenging aspects of their careers. Aspects such as the diverse needs of each student, ensuring each student receives the support and attention they require, all while balancing the demands of providing the best education for every single student that crosses the teacher’s doorstep. For Karen, seeing a student’s “aha” moment and realizing she is making a positive difference in each student’s education and development keeps Karen pushing forward and motivated. “Additionally, the support and encouragement from my family, colleagues, and the community remind me of the importance of my work and inspire me to keep pushing forward, even during challenging times,” Karen says. Karen elaborates on her incredible support system, “I have two sons, Cheston and Connor, who are my support pillars. They’ve been there through the highs and lows, always willing to listen to my proudest moments and the challenges. They often help me ‘talk it out’ and even take me to dinner on days when I’m worn out. My mom, Norma Cherry, was a math tutor at TASD years ago and understands the joy and stress of teaching. Together, they are my biggest cheerleaders, constantly encouraging me.”
Even though the education field has its challenging moments, there are rewards beyond comparison for Karen and other teachers alike. “Seeing students grasp challenging concepts, achieve academic milestones, and develop a genuine enthusiasm for learning makes me happy. Beyond academic achievements, building meaningful connections with my students and positively influencing their personal growth and development is incredibly fulfilling. Their smiles of understanding, moments of shared excitement over learning, and expressions of gratitude remind me daily of why I chose this profession,” Karen says.
Moving forward, Karen wishes for people to understand and take the need for parental involvement in the educational system seriously. “When parents actively participate in their child’s education, it significantly enhances the learning experience and helps students thrive,” she says. Karen believes that teachers and parents working together create a supportive environment that fosters academic and personal growth for every child.
Beyond the teacher’s daily tasks and the need for parent involvement, Karen feels educators need to adapt to our ever-changing world by staying responsive to the evolving needs of our community. “This includes integrating technology effectively into teaching practices, fostering cultural competence to support diverse student populations, and promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for navigating a rapidly changing world. Collaboration with community stakeholders and continuous professional development are also crucial in ensuring educators remain agile and able to provide relevant, impactful education that prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of the future,” Karen says.
Fun Facts:
- If I could return to high school, I would save money because I would prioritize traveling more.
- The best advice I’ve ever received as a teacher is, “Love the children just as Jesus did.” ~Charlotte Fuller
- My favorite subject in school was art because I was good at it, and there was more freedom in the class.
- My dream vacation would be the Redwood National Park because I would love to go there with my sons.
- One thing my students probably do not know about me is that I have a hard time sitting still, too.