SAIL for Education

a conversation with adjunct professor Dr. Karen Bachman

Meet the passionate Dr. Karen Bachman, OAESA with Concordia University Chicago’s (CUC) adjunct professor of Ohio Principal and Superintendent Licensure Programs, Ohio Teacher Leader Endorsement Program, and principal internship supervisor.

What programs do you teach at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago? What drew you to this field of study? What keeps you excited about it?

The program at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago is comprehensive and provides today’s teacher leaders with the tools needed to move into the administrative role. I have been pleased that CUC stays current and revises assignments based on current educational needs. For example, implementing the Equity Audit assignment in the principal internship, and including cultural awareness throughout assignments and discussion prompts.

What attracted you to teach at OAESA with

BY MAGGIE BENDER, OAESA/SAIL GRADUATE CUC? What sets them apart?

I have been an educator for more than 40 years. I spent 17 years teaching grades first through eighth, with most of my experience in the first grade. During that time, I became interested in being a teacher leader and realized the impact I could make in the field of administration. I earned my doctorate through the SAIL program before OAESA partnered with CUC. When I was asked to be an internship supervisor, I was honored and excited to work with future principals.

During the past nine years, I have had the chance to work closely with other educators from OAESA with Concordia University Chicago and have been impressed with the knowledge base of my colleagues and their diverse experiences. I also believe that CUC is set apart in their programming and authentic assignments that meet the needs of our students as they achieve the goal of administrator during these challenging times.

My career evolved into 16 years as an elementary school administrator. During this time, I was asked to teach a graduate course at a small private college and found that I enjoyed helping teachers become teacher leaders.

Presently, I teach two courses at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago, both in educational leadership: EDL 6131 School Evaluation and the Change Process, as well as EDL 6983 and 6984.

For the Principal Internship (EDL 6983 and 6984), I am a supervisor. I greatly enjoy building relationships with my students, guiding them through the courses as they begin to implement positive change in their schools, and learning about schools PreK-12 all over the state.

What is your professional background as an educator?

How will your programs better prepare/equip educators for the current climate they are facing? How will it help them tackle today’s education challenges?

My journey through higher education has been long and varied, I received my B.S. degree in Teacher Education from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. My M.A. degree in teacher leadership was from Defiance College in Defiance, Ohio. My administrative license was achieved through course work at the University of Toledo.

Finally, my Ed.D. through the SAIL program at OAESA took place online from North Central University in Prescott, Arizona. This spring I will

retire from teaching at Miami University in the Teacher Education Department, but I will continue to work with the students at OAESA with CUC. I find it very rewarding to work with future principals.

How did you become interested in education?

My mom was a second-grade teacher and from the time I was young, I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps. I have always had a passion for reading and wanted to share my love of books with young children. To this day, I share books with friends and students whenever appropriate.

What would you tell prospective students considering your programs about yourself?

To any prospective students considering OAESA with CUC as an option for graduate school, you will be pleased with the authentic, thought-provoking courses. The assignments are well written and easy to follow for completion. The instructors are experienced in educational leadership, administration, and supervision. For me personally, I give a great deal of feedback to my students and share my own experiences whenever it is appropriate.

What advice do you have for students interested in pursuing educational leadership licensure in Ohio? How can people stand out in this field?

For future Ohio students pursuing their educational licensure, I want you to know you are needed in the role of an educational leader. The profession needs caring individuals who are willing to go the extra mile to meet the needs of students, staff, and school families. You can be the one to make a difference in the lives of many! This is the best feeling and makes the job very rewarding. Remember, this job is all about building relationships.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

One final piece of advice is to take time to reflect every day. Think about that instance when you made a difference in someone’s life and make this your focus. You won’t regret this!