My name is Karen Sklenarik. I was born in Arcadia, California and spent most of my childhood living in Southern California. I started school in Covina and then we moved for my First Grade year. For two years I lived in a small college town in Oregon. Because the education standards where so different between states I was held back in the first grade. In spite of this setback, I loved living in Corvallis, Oregon. After we came back, we moved around a few times trying to find the right place to settle. I went to Stoneman Elementary in San Marino for Second grade and then Arroyo Vista in South Pasadena for third and fourth. We finally ended up in Anaheim Hills, where I finished high school. My academic career improved after around third grade and I actually was considered to be “ahead” of many of my classmates. Funny how that works sometimes. After high school, I went to the local community college, Rancho Santiago. It was like a glorified high school. I realized within the first semester or so I was not as dedicated to the idea of education as I should be, and since I was paying for it myself, I dropped out and joined the Army. While in the Army I attended my skills training course, as well as the Defense Language Institute. After serving my four years in the Army, I moved with my then future husband to New York and attended SUNY New Paltz, where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and History. I graduated in May 2001 and had my first child in July of the same year. Being a new mom, I took some time off from school, and started back at University of Phoenix in 2006 and then transferred to Cal State San Marcos for the Master’s in Special Education program. I have finished all my courses for my credential in Special Education and am now just finishing this last course to apply for my credential.
My experience with technology is varied. As kid, my dad brought home a computer when I was about seven and I was hooked. He had to return the computer to work after a month or so, which probably saved me from being a complete computer fanatic. In the Army I learned many computer systems and programs, many of which are now no longer used, so my skills there are outdated. I am savvy enough to get by in most cases now, but many times I find that while I enjoy technology, I am also frustrated that we all use it so much. So, while I guess in many ways, I am somewhat technically competent, I actually avoid many types of technology rather than embrace it. It makes me a little sad kids are inside on computers rather than climbing trees...
After reading the CSUSM College of Education mission statement I find that the school actual appeals the reasons of why I chose to be a teacher. Additionally, the school follows a similar mantra as SUNY New Paltz, which is one of the oldest teaching colleges in the country. The belief at both schools is to teach in the most effective, supportive and student centered methods possible. As an educator, I believe teaching is about the students first and the teachers, schools, and districts later. I hope that through CSUSM College of Education practices and ideals, future teachers are created that will ensure education is student centered and inclusive to all.
