Huntington teacher is on the lookout for kids' 'aha' moments

Teaching the joy of books to preteens is perennially rewarding for Karen Swanson, a reading specialist at Woodhull Intermediate School, a fourth-through sixth-grade school in the Huntington School District.

“You can definitely see that ‘aha’ moment when the students start to understand and the reading kind of clicks for them. And they just become more confident in themselves and wanting to read,” said Swanson, 49, of Huntington Station.

“I have fond memories from my own elementary school years with my teachers,” added Swanson, a graduate of Huntington schools. “I used to enjoy playing school at home in my basement with my stuffed animals when I was younger.”

Swanson has been teaching since 1999. She led a fourth-grade class for six years while pursuing her master’s degree in literacy at Hofstra University. When the former reading teacher retired at Woodhull, Swanson took the post.

She said she works to instill confidence in her students, and she stresses the importance of reading skills in many aspects of life.

“I’m always very positive with them and encouraging with them,” Swanson said.

Her class size varies from five to 12 students working on the same types of skills, such as decoding words, reading comprehension, vocabulary development — even writing.

“Each program and each class and grouping of students’ instruction is tailored to what the students need,” she said.

Swanson shares helpful tricks of the trade with her students, like discovering shorter words within longer ones. She often recommends some of her favorite books, like “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” by Kate DiCamillo, and, on occasion, she said she has purchased books for her students.

Though most students work with her for a full year, some bring up their skills in just one marking period.

Swanson “embodies what it means to be a true educator,” said Woodhull Principal Stephanie Campbell. “She’s committed; she’s collaborative; she’s deeply invested in the success of every child. She helps her students feel confident, capable and excited about reading,” said Campbell, noting that her students look forward to seeing her each day. "She just goes above and beyond to support not only her students, but also her colleagues.”

Swanson also is certified by a program known as QTEL, for Quality Teaching for English Learners. 

“QTEL is a program that educates about best teaching practices for classroom teachers to use with their students,” Swanson said.

Whenever she walks into Swanson’s classroom, Campbell notices how engaged the students are.

“She just has a gift. She really does.”

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