Ms. Karen McDowell

The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character--that is the goal of true education.  

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Greetings! I have been with The Campus School for 15 years. I love my position as the 6th, 7^th, and 8^th grade middle school social studies teacher! My experience is varied. I have been teaching for 34 years and am certified to teach both elementary and junior high. I’ve taught in several schools, I’ve taught all age levels from preschool through 8^th grade, and I’ve taught in all middle school content levels.

Fundamentally, I believe that all children are natural learners, and are eager to expand their understanding of the world around them. My most important role as an educator, therefore, is to encourage and develop each student’s ability to be an independent learner who feels successful as a learner. Ultimately, my goal is that students will internalize the idea that education is a process that is intertwined with living, and that they are active participants in the learning process. This independence will enable students to achieve and be successful, not only in school but also in life.

My husband and I currently own a home in the North Hills. One of us loves baseball and one of us loves science fiction and fantasy. Both of us enjoy reading, gardening and landscaping, and taking long walks with our dogs.