Veteran Educator Chosen as Marquette's Teacher of the Year

Karen Corbett has taught English for 32 years in the the Rockwood School District. This year, she was named Teacher of the Year at . She said she wasn't accustomed to all the attention and preferred less fanfare.

“There are many excellent educators at Marquette. It makes me proud that they respect and appreciate me," Corbett said. “I had an inspirational English teacher in high school. The teacher would conference with a student, which is something no one did at that time.  It made such an impact on my education.”

Corbett began her career at where she started the Advanced Placement (AP) Language and Composition program. AP courses allow students to earn college credit through an end-of-course test. Corbett has taught English and the "AP Language and Composition" program at Marquette for 17 years. She had taught AP Language workshops to help Missouri teachers learn to set up these programs in their schools. 

Corbett is particularly proud of the language arts research presentation course. It is a long-term project that requires a student to research a specific topic and analyze it based on varied writings on the topic. Their research and analysis is given during a multimedia presentation. Students must apply for the course, have solid grades in language arts and social studies, and present teacher recommendations and a writing sample. 

Corbett worked as a reader of student essays for the College Board for six years. The College Board administers the SAT for college-bound students.

“This activity helped me assist my students. I found out what the board was seeking in student essays,” Corbett said.  “I pass this knowledge to my students.” 

Corbett requires commitment, focus and hard work from her students. “I am so proud of my students,” she said. “They score well on AP testing. I work them hard.”

“Mrs. Corbett maintains consistently high expectations for all students every day, and provides a warm and inviting environment for students to excel. She does a great job reaching and stretching some of our brightest kids,” Marquette assistant principal Dan Ramsey said in an email.             

An important aspect of Corbett’s job as an educator is her work on committees. She works with the Renaissance program, which is designed to encourage and recognize student academic achievement. She also takes part in a book study group with co-workers; the group discusses educational books and materials.

“Being involved in these groups allows me to have input as an educator, input as to how and what my students learn,” Corbett said. 

She served as a National Honor Society sponsor for many years and has chaperoned a two-week long student trip to Europe.

“Karen is an asset for our students and school community. She does whatever it takes to meet the needs of her students,” Marquette Principal Greg Mathison said.