TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
Karen Tipton What motivated you to become an educator, and what kept you passionate throughout your career?
Karen Tipton is a pillar in the Liberty-Eylau Independent School District and community. Mrs. Tipton has the IT factor when it comes to teaching young people. She has an unwavering commitment to excellence and genuine love for each and every student who walks into her classrooms. Mrs. Tipton not only imparted knowledge but also fostered a love for learning, instilled values, and nurtured the potential in every child in her class. I was not just her principal; I was learning from her on a daily basis. Mrs. Tipton was the kind of teacher every school administrator tries to hire.”
My biggest motivations have been my love of learning, kids, and my husband’s support. God’s gift and purpose for me was and is to teach young children. I have always been passionate about teaching and have always learned something new as I taught. All three of my children have taught, as have their spouses. Education has been a priority in our family. My family has a history with Liberty-Eylau for the last four generations. How have you seen education change since the time you began your career? I have seen a drastic change in education. There are so many tests that it makes it very difficult for teachers to actually teach, and teachers have an overload of paperwork. There seems to be a somewhat lack of respect for teachers; however,
—Jeff Wright, LEISD Superintendent 22 years at LEISD (31 total in education)
I have enjoyed many wonderful years of teaching alongside Karen. Our time together has been filled with planning lessons, celebrating milestones, creating memory books, and building lifelong relationships with students, parents, teachers, and friends. Together, we have watched countless students learn and grow.”
in my eyes, it remains a very rewarding career. What advice would you give new educators?
—Marilyn Buck, Retired Kindergarten Teacher 27 years at LEISD, 12 years teaching Pre-K at Williams School
One of your most important tasks is to develop your students’ love of learning. Communication with students and parents is essential for success.
Was there someone who was an inspiration or mentor in your development as an educator?
I have had the joy and pleasure of working alongside Mrs. Karen at Williams Memorial Day School. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” Mrs. Karen is the true epitome of love. The love she shows and has for every child that has come through our classroom is truly commendable.
I had a good experience in my education from elementary through high school. I loved going to school and graduated high school as salutatorian. I went to night school for eight years while working as a substitute teacher during the day. I finally reached my goal and became a teacher in 1974. What were you the proudest of from your time at Liberty-Eylau? Every year, I was proud that I had prepared my students for the next grade. I am proud of the gift that God gave me, and He gave me the determination, ideas, patience, and desire to make teaching a lifelong career. I feel proud that I have been living my dream.
—Ti’erra Dixon Lee, Williams Memorial Day School Co-Worker
Mrs. Tipton taught both my brothers and me in kindergarten, and she made every child feel loved and special. Even now, when I see her in public, she greets me with a smile and remembers my name.”
—Amber McDaniel Roper, Former Student
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COMMUNITY & CULTURE
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