Karen Coulombe, a high school teacher in Lake Stevens, has been recognized with a national award for her efforts in preparing students with Microsoft Office skills and valuable career-building experiences. As an educator at Cavelero Mid High School, Coulombe goes above and beyond to ensure her ninth-grade students leave her classroom equipped with workplace skills and Microsoft Office certifications.
Coulombe’s teaching methods are innovative and engaging, allowing her students to explore their creativity and develop practical skills. Her students take part in various activities, such as creating their own animations, designing resumes, and even building Excel spreadsheets to assist the basketball coach in making team decisions. Through hands-on projects and real-world applications, Coulombe instills in her students a sense of confidence and expertise in using Microsoft Office tools.
One of Coulombe’s remarkable achievements is the success of her students in national competitions. Last year, one of her freshmen won second place in a national Microsoft Excel competition hosted by IT certification company Certiport. This recognition not only demonstrates Coulombe’s effective teaching methods but also showcases the outstanding abilities of her students.
Certiport acknowledged Coulombe’s exceptional dedication and named her the educator of the year. This recognition is a testament to her commitment to providing her students with valuable career and technical education. Coulombe’s passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom as she also coaches the robotics team, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills among her students.
Before becoming an educator, Coulombe had an impressive career in the technology industry. She worked as an avionics technician for the Air Force and Dyncorp Aerospace and spent five years at Boeing working on 747s and B-2 bombers. Her industry experience allows her to connect with her students and emphasize the importance of developing strong tech skills for future success.
Coulombe’s influence extends beyond the classroom, as many of her former students return to share their experiences and establish a strong network within her classroom. She encourages her students to compile portfolios that showcase their work experience, certifications, and references, empowering them to pursue their career aspirations with confidence. By actively engaging with her students and creating a supportive environment, Coulombe ensures that her students are well-prepared for their future endeavors.
Furthermore, Coulombe has been proactive in keeping her classroom on the forefront of technological innovation. She secured a grant from Safeway and Albertsons, allowing her to implement the Internet of Things, a network that connects the devices in her classroom. Her dedication to staying updated with the latest advancements in technology ensures that her students are prepared for the evolving job market.
Coulombe’s teaching style is captivating and her classroom environment is entertaining, making learning a fun and engaging experience for her students. She incorporates her pop culture interests by incorporating elements like an inflatable Spider-Man and a TARDIS from Doctor Who into her classroom. Coulombe’s ability to maintain her students’ attention is remarkable and attributed to her innate teaching abilities.
Notably, Coulombe actively encourages the involvement of non-traditional students, particularly girls, in the technology industry. She aims to provide them with the necessary support to thrive in a male-dominated field. Her efforts include creating opportunities for girls to join the robotics team and organizing workshops where they can build toy robots. Coulombe believes in empowering her students, enabling them to become self-starters and pursue their passions.
Coulombe’s dedication to her students’ success would not be possible without the support of the Lake Stevens School District administrators. Their forward-thinking approach and openness to technology enable Coulombe to provide her students with the best possible education, ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of the digital age.
As the field of technology continues to evolve, Coulombe adapts her teaching to stay ahead of the curve. She understands the importance of constantly updating her knowledge and incorporating new techniques into her curriculum. Just like the resumes her students create, Coulombe’s teaching methods are always evolving to meet the changing demands of the job market.
Karen Coulombe’s exceptional teaching abilities, dedication to her students’ success, and commitment to providing them with valuable career-building experiences have rightly earned her the prestigious educator of the year award. With her guidance, students at Cavelero Mid High School in Lake Stevens are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in both their academic and professional lives.
