Dr. Karen Whitworth
Founder/Consultant/Family Advocate/Educational Researcher
I recently had a heartfelt conversation with my daughter about my 5-year-old granddaughter starting kindergarten in the fall. Despite my 18 years of experience in education, I was surprised by the number of questions she had about what to do for our granddaughter’s education.
Like many parents these days, my daughter is anxious about sending her children off to school. She sees the news and worries about their safety, what they are learning (or not learning), and their social-emotional development. She is concerned about how current events will shape the individuals her children will become.
During our discussion, I shared all the schooling options available to her: private schools, public schools, charter schools, homeschooling, and even combinations of different settings to meet the goals she and her husband have for their daughters. I asked her what was most important to her when making educational decisions. Her response, “Mom, I am so grateful for your guidance and insight with all of this. I am not even sure where to start because I don’t know what I don’t know,” really struck a chord with me.
This is one of many conversations that have inspired me to start my educational consulting group to inform and support families about educational options for their children and provide insights into schools. We are here to guide you through the complex world of education choices, ensuring your children receive the best possible start.
Background
After high school, I went to college for a year and discovered that I was not ready to be a college student. I wanted to travel and see the world, so I enlisted in the United States Navy in 1992. While in the Navy I continued to take college classes and that was the beginning of my journey as a lifelong learner. While in the Navy I met my husband and we started our family. We have now been married 31 years and have two children with wonderful spouses and 4 grandchildren. My husband is now retired from the Navy and we are enjoying life together without the constant military deployments. I left the Navy in 2006 to be more available for our family and to pursue my passion for education.
I have taught kindergarten through twelfth grade and worked at schools in California, Florida, and Washington State. My focus has been on special education, reading development, and helping children learn to advocate for themselves in the educational setting. I have taught in the classroom, supported students in a resource setting, and been the director of a special education program for a K12 charter school. My vast experience in different locations and settings allows me to have a unique perspective on how to best support parents in deciding on the best educational setting for their children.
Education
Ed. D. in Learning and Organizational Change, Baylor University
M.Ed. In Reading Education (K-12), University of West Florida
B.A. in Elementary Education (ESOL/ESE), University of West Florida
Professional Organizations
Association of Teacher Educators
Council for Exceptional Children
International Literacy Association
Kappa Delta Pi