Karen Schlosser – Lakeridge Junior High School

This is a somewhat different nomination received for Teacher Feature, however the influence of this teacher is not only touching the students she is teaching, but the blossoming young teachers who will continue her legacy.

With some trepidation our daughter started her student teaching assignment in January of this year. She was nervous about this opportunity, having been told by other teachers, and “well-meaning” individuals that she would “hate” teaching and that it was the most difficult and unappreciated vocation she could have chosen. Nonetheless she was assigned to Lakeridge Jr. High School in Orem, with Karen Schlosser as her cooperating teacher. Knowing the importance of a good cooperating teacher in the student teaching experience, she was understandably nervous. Our daughter couldn’t have been luckier.

Good teaching is about not only motivating students to learn, but teaching them how to learn, and doing so in a manner that is relevant, meaningful, and memorable. It’s about caring about the field of teaching, having a passion for it, and conveying that passion to everyone, most importantly to the students. Ms. Schlosser is a seasoned teacher who loves what she is doing. That love shines through in the way she teaches, the way her class interacts and feels about her and the enthusiasm she has for the teaching profession.

She is a huge proponent of collaboration and as the English Department leader, meets daily during lunch with the other English teachers to share ideas, relate successful classroom moments and talk over problems. She selflessly offers her files and all the materials she has worked her whole career to collect, to her student teachers and those with whom she works. Our daughter has loved this experience and is so excited to begin her teaching career and have a class of her own.

Karen Schlosser commits her students to excellence and expects the same of herself. She exemplifies the best teaching has to offer. Our daughter is fortunate to have had such a devoted and wonderful role model who has become a valued friend. She will be a better teacher because of being tutored by Ms. Schlosser.

-David and Susan Fagan