Middle School Teacher
Haviland Middle School
Karin Armstrong has been a sixth grade teacher at Haviland Middle School in Hyde Park, New York for the past twenty-five years. She graduated with her master’s degree in Elementary Education in 1999 from SUNY New Paltz after deciding to pursue education instead of psychology. Working with families leaving abusive homes allowed her to find joy in working with young people and an understanding that education can empower people to feel competent and connected to the world around them. With a desire to help inspire children to embrace learning and creativity, she embarked on a path that has brought her immense joy. She and her husband, also a graduate of SUNY New Paltz, have raised two daughters in the community in which she teaches. Within that community, Karin serves on the library board and is the vice president of the Hyde Park Railroad Station Museum.
Over the years, Karin has participated in many of the additional activities teachers can experience. She has been a union building rep and was the public relations coordinator for the Hyde Park Teachers Association for many years. She has served on many committees including Facilities Steering Committee, District Leadership Team, Building Leadership Team, and the Community Schools Steering Committee. Mentoring new teachers and coordinating the Extended Day Program at the middle school have also allowed her to connect with more teachers and students. Developing lessons that engage students, develop their skills, and deepen their understanding of the material she teaches, fuels her every day.
Karin is grateful to share her experiences and insight to help aspiring teachers find their way; whether it is to help them prepare for interviews, navigate lesson planning, communicate effectively with administrators and parents, or build strong relationships with students. She hopes this opportunity to meet new teachers at SUNY New Paltz will allow her to give back to a school and community that guided her when she started her journey.
