Karen Hessel has worked in public education for over 3 decades. Her school level and district level experiences include classroom teacher, department chair, supervisor, assistant principal, principal and Deputy Superintendent of Schools. Karen has had the opportunity to work in urban, suburban and rural areas, as well as serve the children in the State of Pennsylvania as Bureau Director for Teaching and Learning at the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Most recently before joining the Performance Fact family, Karen served the State of Pennsylvania as a Distinguished Educator, working with the most academically challenged secondary schools to assist them in building their capacity to accelerate learning for all students.
Karen served as Principal-in-Residence at Educational Testing Service (ETS), Princeton, New Jersey, in the PATHWISE Professional Development Division, where she developed the PATHWISE Teacher Induction training program and served as a national consultant in all areas of Charlotte Danielson’s “Enhancing Professional Practice” work. In year two of her residency, she served as the Director of the School Leadership Division, and was responsible for developing the licensure exams for principals and superintendents (SLLA, SSA) in collaboration with the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). Karen also is the author of two books on school leadership: “A Framework for School Leaders”, and “Case Studies in School Leadership: Keys to a Successful Principalship.”
What Calls Me to Education?
“I can think of no other group of individuals, to spend my time with and to dedicate my life’s work to – than children. I believe all children can learn and at high levels. I believe in the promise of every child. I believe it is our responsibility as educators to assist all students in reaching their potential. It has been my “quest” to try and discover the key to unlocking every student’s promise and enabling them to be successful contributing members in our democratic society.”
Favorite Quote
“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because his conscience tells him it is right.” -Martin Luther