Kari Babson has worked in education for many years spending six years in Virginia, two years in Brunswick County teaching business and marketing courses, and five years at Union Elementary as a Music and second grade teacher. Babson has switched it up this year, starting a new position and allowing her to begin a new era along with the new school year.
“It is a very big change, because I’m no longer in the classroom. Since I’m not teaching and I’m not an advisor for DECA, there’s a lot more things on my plate,” said Kari Babson. “But I have an office and I’m here to support all of the CTE teachers that are in the building”
Babson hadn’t heard of the job until it was presented to her. Her new position as Career Development Coordinator and the Special Population Coordinator, she makes sure that every student has a pathway. It’s important for students to have a plan so that once they graduate, they aren’t lost. Whether they’re going into the workforce, going into a community college, to a four-year college or into the military they’ve got an idea of what they’re doing and where they’re going.
“I miss it more than I thought that I would. Last week I went into a class, and I was standing up in front of them and talking, and I was like ‘dag on. I miss this,” said Babson. “But I really do enjoy this, I think that it’s fun to be able to reach every single student and not just the 90 that I have every semester.”
Teacher of the Year is someone who is recognized for their contribution to the classroom and excellence in education. In order to win this award, you are nominated by your peers and then there’s a vote to decide the winner. Babson has been nominated many years but turned down the offer, this year she decided to go for it and won. She didn’t just win for the school; she won for the county as well. Back in 2005, in Virginia, Babson was the Green Apple Award winner, which is basically a starter Teacher of the Year for the county during her second year of teaching.
With this award not only comes many benefits like picking out any car in the Chevrolet lot, except a Corvette, but it also comes with responsibility. Babson is not a part of a committee named TAC, Teacher Advisory Committee. Two people, the previous and current Teacher of the Year for each of the twenty schools in the county, come together whenever a teacher is upset about something and she finds a solution.
“It’s kind of cool that twenty years ago I won the Green Apple Teacher of the Year, and now I won Teacher of the Year for Brunswick County,” said Babson. “I’m a ‘seasoned’ teacher I guess”
Babson’s career has not only allowed her to boost education and bond with students, but it has also led her to many great accomplishments. She has changed many lives by being an amazing teacher and friend and will continue to do so, just in a different position at the school.
“When she first came here, we weren’t really close but now we talk at least three times a day,” said sports marketing teacher and DECA advisor Olivia Fluharty “I’m sad I can’t just walk next door and see her, but I’m really proud of her for what she’s doing.”
