Chandler Public Schools

A teacher who truly enjoys what she's doing, Karen Schooley is a Kindergarten teacher at East Side Elementary. A loving, yet firm educator who is passionate about teaching, Karen has taught 30 of her 32 years in Chandler. She was named Chandler Teacher of the Year in 1994.  

Q. When did you decide to become a teacher and why?​ 
A. It was an accident, I thought I was enrolling in Family Relations and Child development when I transferred to OSU but was given the wrong advisor.  It wasn’t until I had completed a semester that I figured it out. By that time I loved what I was learning and never looked back. 

Q. Give an example of a time when a teacher impacted your life: 
A. We moved to Chandler when I was in 3rd grade. I was very shy and timid and a little behind, my teacher, Mrs. Swiggart made me feel so welcome and helped me get caught up. I have always felt she was the reason I always loved school.   

Q. What do you enjoy most about teaching? 
A. I love all the hugs! I really love sharing my love of learning.   

Q. What’s your favorite memory since you’ve been teaching?  
A. I have many wonderful memories so it is hard to pick a favorite.  It is always a pleasure to see my former students and see how well they are doing.  

Karen and her husband Edmund have two daughters: Johnna (24), who is pursuing a Masters at UCO, and McKenzie (19), a Sophomore at USAO. She enjoys spending time with her family, and working at her church.