Karen Willemsen

Established and led educational enrichment programs for elementary students during school year and summer sessions.

• Recruited families to develop Covid-safe home-based learning experiences in Science, Art, Cooking, and cooperative games.
• Coordinated an expanded menu of summer activities, featuring field trips to Bainbridge Island and Seattle Art Museum.
• Organized tours of local businesses to enhance educational experiences for students.

• Filled all responsibilities of teacher role for K-8 students across grade-level and specialty classes, including Art, PE, and Social Studies.
• Specialized in Elementary Art while fulfilling five long-term positions.
• Developed original project-based lessons and units that integrated seamlessly with existing curricula.
• Fostered a supportive community to enhance children's safety, curiosity, and confidence.
• Earned positive feedback from families, students, colleagues, and administrators for effective teaching performance.

• Developed high school social studies curricula for two projects: Define American and MTV's White People.
• Collaborated with stakeholders to pilot curricula with teachers and students from Watsonville High School.

Organized an event featuring 'Documented' at Watsonville Film Festival to enhance community engagement.

• Represented Define American at the National Social Studies Conference and private fundraising events.