Karen Reece Inspires a Passion for Reading Among St. Joseph Catholic School Students
The most rewarding part of her job: “Being able to work with students and help them connect to books that they love.”
Your child receives an academically enriching education at our Polk private schools. We bring together a rigorous curriculum, highly dedicated educators, and immersive learning experiences.
At St. Joseph Catholic School in Winter Haven, Library Media Specialist Karen Reece leads research-based literacy initiatives that inspire a love of learning among students. A strong foundation of reading and literacy helps children succeed across all subject matters.
Learn about Mrs. Reece’s teaching expertise and how she upholds St. Joseph’s rich tradition of academic excellence.
Helping Children Learn to Read Over 30 Years
Mrs. Reece grew up in Zolfo Springs in Hardee County. She first became inspired to teach when working at a preschool program for migrant children within the county.
She went on to study Elementary Education at St. Martin’s College in Lacey, Washington. It was her first experience at a Catholic school, and she came to enjoy being in an academic setting with fellow Christians.
Mrs. Reece has now been teaching for over 30 years, and she has found an ideal educational community at St. Joseph Catholic School.
“St. Joseph Catholic School really is an outstanding place to work,” she says. “From the active PTO to the high-quality administration, it is just a terrific environment. It’s also so nice to attend Mass and enjoy the presence of God as a community.
Providing a Research-Backed Approach to Literacy
As the school librarian, Mrs. Reece is passionate about inspiring a love of reading among students. She continues her own professional education to ensure she is providing the best literacy tools.
“My continued professional development has enabled me to incorporate teaching strategies that are research-based.”
She also has more freedom to differentiate her instruction within a Catholic school environment.
“The public schools I’ve worked in are part of a large district so sometimes policies are created that are one size fits all,” she says. “I like that there is more site-based management of programs here, such as AR and Destiny.”
In addition to providing the right programs, Mrs. Reece also fosters a one-on-one connection with students.
“I think building relationships with students and finding out about their interests is key to being able to engage them in the learning experience,” she says. “My hope for all my students is they develop a desire to read for both knowledge and pleasure.”
Getting to Know Mrs. Reece
Outside the classroom, here are a few fun facts about Mrs. Reece:
She enjoys spending time with family, walking, reading, and traveling to new places.
Her favorite author is Jane Austen, with “Pride and Prejudice” being her favorite work.
She loves British TV shows, including “Doc Martin.”
Her current favorite Bible verse is “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” – Psalms 27:13-14.
Her favorite trip was to Ely, England; Edinburg, Scotland; and Paris, Francis in July 2018. “It was absolutely an amazing strip – especially seeing ancient cathedrals and castles.”
We share our gratitude for Mrs. Reece and the intelligence, expertise, and passion she provides to St. Joseph Catholic School.
Faces of Catholic Education is an ongoing series in which we spotlight faculty and staff at Polk County Catholic Schools and celebrate the love they have in their hearts for seeing children grow through Catholic school education.