After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in human relations from Southern Nazarene University and continuing her education with a Master of Human Relations degree from The University of Oklahoma, Karen Sams finally landed her "dream job" at a hospital in Fort Worth, TX. After relocating, it didn't take long to realize that she was miserable. Her mother reminded her, as she had many times before, that she was born to be a teacher and perhaps that was why she was so unhappy. The next day, Sams began pursuing her alternative certification and has never looked back. Throughout 15 years in education, she has taught 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade, as well as K-5 music. She is currently a 3rd grade teacher at David Crockett Elementary in Weatherford, TX. Mrs. Sams is passionate about public education and has committed her entire career to helping students in Title I schools. She has served in many leadership roles including Grade Level Chair, Student Teacher Mentor, New Teacher Mentor, Open Court Model Reading Teacher, Technology Integration Educator, and Campus Website and Facebook Page Administrator. She has also served on the Campus Improvement Team, Language Proficiency Assessment Committee and Campus Behavior Team. Sams was awarded Campus Teacher of the Year in 2012 and 2019, as well as District Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2019. Sams is driven to helping students overcome barriers that impact their learning while fostering a classroom environment that promotes engagement, growth, and a sense of family.