Teacher Spotlight: Indian Lane's Karen Meile

Teacher Spotlight is where we will feature a local teacher who deserves recognition. Teachers give a lot to their students, schools and studies and we'd like to recognize them and say a simple, thank you, for all that they do.

This Indian Lane Elementary School first-grade teacher is a newer faculty member but she immediately felt the sense of community within the school.

Teacher: Karen Meile

School: Indian Lane Elementary School

Grade/Subject:  First Grade

Years in the industry: 11 years

Teaching History:

This is Meile's second year at Indian Lane, where she has always taught the first grade. She previously taught in the Radnor School District and in North Carolina.

Why did you become a teacher:

I always wanted to become a teacher. When I was little I played school all the time. I used to read to my dolls and I loved helping my teachers when I was little. I feel like I knew from a super early age what I wanted to do and I never looked back, that was it. I just knew.

What do you like most about your job:

Making a difference every day, especially in first grade. Every day they are learning something new and the excitement of their learning is fun. They are so excited about learning.

What do you hope your students get out of your classes:

I hope that they get what they need for the following year so they are prepared. I hope that they realize it's OK to be who they are and to accept everyone else for who they are. And I hope that they remember. I feel like first grade is a big year, people remember their first grade, and I hope that they remember it positively.

If you could change anything about education in general, what would it be:

I would want teachers to have more say in education laws, teachers should be a part of the law making. I wish teachers had more say in all the things that are expected and demanded from higher up [in the education system].

What do you like best about your current school:

The sense of community. I live in the community too, my children also go to Indian Lane, and I feel a huge sense of community here. It's a nice feeling.