Karen Oswald

Karen Oswald is another addition to the school’s teaching staff this year, beginning her first year as a special education teacher.

Oswald attended Kent State University before working six years at a drop out recovery high school and teaching at the Cascade Career Prep High School in Akron, Ohio. 

Part of the reason that Oswald moved to Altoona was because of her family, but the other reason was because of her natural ability to teach others and her passion to help those with disabilities. 

“I went back to school late in life. My previous work experience working with adults with disabilities helped me realize I had a natural talent for teaching people. I had a speech and hearing disability that made school difficult for me when younger so it is easy for me to understand the struggles of learning with a disability,” Oswald said.

That passion she has for her students carries into the online environment she and all other high school staff are now in. With all the challenges that come along with online teaching, Oswald still wants her students to know that she is there for them.

“My students know I care. I have always said you can train someone to do a job but you can not train them to care. Plus my humor and laugh makes my students excited to come to class,” Oswald said.

Oswald is excited for her students to return to the building, as teaching through online classes can be difficult for teachers that rely on a more direct relationship with their students.

“I worry daily how my students are doing and if they have everything they need. It is hard to tell when someone is struggling with school and when they may need help,” Oswald said.

Outside of school, Oswald pursues her interests of hiking, camping and traveling with her family.