~Karen Pasquel, Reading Specialist ~ National Board Certified Teacher~Literacy Francis Andrew March School ~Easton Area School District~Easton, PA "Reading is at the heart of all achievement. Without it, the American dream is out of reach. With it, anything is possible." ~ Pleasant T. Rowland
WELCOME to my site! Be sure to check out all of the tabs for the many resources. I'm Karen Pasquel, a Reading Specialist at F.A. March Elementary, Easton, PA. I originate from a large family in Boonton, New Jersey. In 1990, I graduated with a degree in Education, and a Master's (1995) in Reading. I began my career as a grade 1 teacher, in the Pleasant Valley School District, before coming to Easton. F.A. March has always reminded me of my own elementary school, John Hill School, so it's like "coming home." At March Elementary I work as a reading specialist, seeing students daily for reading support using research-based intensive interventions with best educational practices. Just as children come in all shapes and sizes, I believe all children can learn. At March we do best to help each child and their family in the journey towards success. March Elementary was awarded and continues to be a "Distinguished Title 1 School" for educational achievement. I am the coordinator of the Doggie Den grade 2 reading initiative. I began and coordinated this program with a community member who owned a certified therapy dog. I created the after school literacy curriculum (grades 3,4,5) incorporating 3 modules: Science, poetry, and the performing arts. As a result our attendance in the program increased. I am a grant writer, achieving grants for literacy, books, and educational initiatives. In 2019-2020, our kindergarten classes were so large, I stepped away from my literacy specialist role to teach in a full day kindergarten classroom for our littlest leopards. My passions lie in utilizing best practices to support our leopards. I keep current with reading research as a member of the International Literacy Association and The Reading League. At my school, I am a Seesaw Online Learning Platform Ambassador- so I can help others experience and use this innovative technology with our students. I am committed to providing the science of reading and best practices to our students. I also enjoy my work as an adjunct professor through East Stroudsburg University.
In 2010, (renewed in 2020), I achieved National Board Certification For Teachers (NBCT) in the specialty area of literacy. This was comprehensive and rigorous endeavor, designed to improve one’s teaching practices, and as a result, provide a greater impact upon student learning. Click for more information about NBPTS_NCLB.pdf and what makes a highly qualified teacher under the ramifications & Standards of National Board. I continue to believe in this process which is why I choose to support and mentor colleagues as a facilitator /Adjunct Professor in the College of Secondary Education at East Stroudsburg University. My next goal is to obtain my doctorate in education! I will begin this journey in the Fall of 2023 through East Stroudsburg University.
In addition to teaching in a school system, I have experience as a dance instructor and as an associate director of dance. It’s hard to believe, but for years I taught school during the day and dance classes in the evenings. Of course, this was prior to the births of my two children, Austin (2000) & Timmy(2003). In January 2006, I authored an article on integrating academic literacy and STEM curriculum into dance and movement classes, entitled “Themes And Variations”, and featured in January’s 2006 edition of “Dance Teacher Magazine” - a journal for dance educators and studio owners. These experiences help me to do mascot work. I have performed as a bear, a leopard, a shark, and of course, an Easton Red Rover- both baby Reddy Rover (our district’s kindergarten mascot) and The Rover....please don’t tell the kids, though!
During my personal time, I spend time with my family. I love to read, walk my dogs, collect Dr. Seuss memorabilia, and I continue to take dance or yoga classes. I am a cancer survivor of malignant melanoma and consider a healthy lifestyle key to living well. My sons have a love of science, history, drawing, soccer (one was a referee), and music. Both of my boys have experience as trumpet players in the award winning Nazareth Area Blue Eagle Marching Band. We are proud to say we have been Calvacade AND US BANDS State and National Group 4 Open Marching Band Champions for a number of years! My oldest son graduated from Nazareth Area HS (2018) as an AP scholar-with honors, and continued his digital forensics studies at Bloomsburg University graduating Summa Cum Laude in just 3 years! He was a member of the Husky marching band and the honors program at Bloomsburg University. He recently moved to Georgia to begin a civilian position at the US CYBER SECURITY BRIGADE. My younger son graduated from Nazareth and now attends Kutztown University, participating in the honors program and another award winning marching band (KUMU). Go Bears! We have 2 rescue pups from shelters because we support dog rescue. Recently our beloved Latte, our shep/rotti died. She was rescued as a puppy from Animals In Distress. Our hearts were broken, but we’ve recently opened our home to another dog, Holly from Tiny Miracles Pet Rescue- however, she is NOT tiny! Lianna, our smaller pup was rescued from St. Huberts in NJ. Lianna is a formal feral puppy so she is extremely shy and fearful. It has taken much patience and training, but our dogs are wonderful additions to our family. You can see my professional and personal family below...
My son, Tim at Nazareth HS Awards ~ Calvacade National Marching Band Champion from the show, GOLDEN VICTORY about Nazareth racing legend Mario Andretti!
**Looking for games to support literacy? See my "games" page!
New Online download of websites to support literacy at home Click herecleverclassroomblog.com/2017/02/online-story-sites-children.html All grades- A new fluency page with printable passages & graphs you can print or read online! New! Online "news" link for kids-leveled articles for K-4 Click here Just in...Get daily literacy tips texted to your phone! English & Espanol: Click for details: