Lakeview Academy’s Karen Towles Named 2021 Teacher of the Year
Lower School teacher, Karen Towles, was nominated by Lakeview Academy’s Lower School Director and selected from nominees at 160 GISA schools. The physical education teacher and coach was honored by the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) with the 2021 Lower School Teacher of the Year award on Monday, November 15 during their annual conference. To read the press release — Click Here.
“I am humbled to receive this honor and grateful Lakeview Academy has given me the opportunity to lead and mentor many age groups of children through the years,” Towles said upon learning she won the award.
Karen Towles joined Lakeview Academy twenty-three years ago in 1998. She teaches physical education to elementary-aged students and is also a basketball, tennis, and volleyball coach. In 2013, Towles was selected by the Lakeview Academy faculty as Lower School Teacher of the Year. She earned her B.S. and M.Ed. from the University of North Georgia. Towles started her teaching career at South Forsyth Middle School where she taught middle school physical education and coached girls’ basketball for three years.
Nominees for the GISA award were required to submit an essay on the topic, “What Teaching Means to Me,” and finalists participated in an interview process in Macon in September with the GISA executive panel. The winner was announced at the annual conference and GISA Vice President Stan Whitlock presented Towles with her award.
“Karen is not only an outstanding teacher, but also a coach, a mentor, and a friend,” said fellow Lower School teacher, Cristina Leek. Leek submitted a letter of recommendation for Towles during the selection process. “Her passion for her players is evident by the time, energy, and effort that she puts into her teams.”
“To me, teaching is an opportunity to reach young people on so many different levels,” said Towles. “I truly believe in the importance of daily movement and exercise but also the value and power of P.E. in terms of social well-being and confidence.” Her influence on her students extends beyond the classroom. “During a P.E. class, walking to the fields with my students, we engage in conversations that has led me to discussions I would have not been able to have in a classroom environment. Boys and girls need someone to talk to in a low-pressure environment and they tend to open-up very easily to me.”
Lakeview Head of School Dr. Kirsty Montgomery shared the sentiments of many, stating “Karen is a fantastic teacher, coach, and role model, as well as being a dedicated employee. She creates a warm, nurturing environment for her Lower School students, and provides strong foundational skills for her volleyball and basketball students. Her passion for physical education is extraordinary, and we are so fortunate to call her one of our own.”
Back
Karen Towles joined Lakeview Academy twenty-three years ago in 1998. She teaches physical education to elementary-aged students and is also a basketball, tennis, and volleyball coach. In 2013, Towles was selected by the Lakeview Academy faculty as Lower School Teacher of the Year. She earned her B.S. and M.Ed. from the University of North Georgia. Towles started her teaching career at South Forsyth Middle School where she taught middle school physical education and coached girls’ basketball for three years.
Nominees for the GISA award were required to submit an essay on the topic, “What Teaching Means to Me,” and finalists participated in an interview process in Macon in September with the GISA executive panel. The winner was announced at the annual conference and GISA Vice President Stan Whitlock presented Towles with her award.
“Karen is not only an outstanding teacher, but also a coach, a mentor, and a friend,” said fellow Lower School teacher, Cristina Leek. Leek submitted a letter of recommendation for Towles during the selection process. “Her passion for her players is evident by the time, energy, and effort that she puts into her teams.”
“To me, teaching is an opportunity to reach young people on so many different levels,” said Towles. “I truly believe in the importance of daily movement and exercise but also the value and power of P.E. in terms of social well-being and confidence.” Her influence on her students extends beyond the classroom. “During a P.E. class, walking to the fields with my students, we engage in conversations that has led me to discussions I would have not been able to have in a classroom environment. Boys and girls need someone to talk to in a low-pressure environment and they tend to open-up very easily to me.”
Lakeview Head of School Dr. Kirsty Montgomery shared the sentiments of many, stating “Karen is a fantastic teacher, coach, and role model, as well as being a dedicated employee. She creates a warm, nurturing environment for her Lower School students, and provides strong foundational skills for her volleyball and basketball students. Her passion for physical education is extraordinary, and we are so fortunate to call her one of our own.”
Lakeview Academy is a private, coeducational day school for students in preschool through 12th grade, located in Gainesville, GA minutes off I-985/Hwy 365.
© 2024 Lakeview Academy. All right reserved.