Hi everyone!

My name is Karen and I've decided its about time to start one of these wonderful blogs I hear so much about:) To give you a bit of background information I'm an '07 University of Pittsburgh graduate (by the way, congrats to Pitt hoops for their historical win over UConn Monday night!!). Though I have some experience in corporate communications, sales and advertising, I am currently working in the field of human resources. I love my company and the people within it, although HR can be a bit depressing at times. That being said, I'm currently trying to figure out what I want to contribute to this world around me - you'll soon find that there is much more that I want to do than I'll have the time to achieve in this lifetime. As my next step in my quest for the perfect career, I'm planning on heading back to Pitt for their master's in teaching program - I want take part in changing the educational systems around that. I'm not sure how I'll go about reaching that goal yet, but earning my masters as a reading specialist seems to be a logical start (in my mind anyway!).

Education has always been a passion of mine. I have spent my summers and weekends teaching phonics, spelling, reading comprehension, writing and math since I was a senior in high school. It is my hope that with that experience and additional research in topics regarding learning and education that I might stir some attention for an ongoing concern in this country - educating our youth.

I would like to take a look at what's happening in our public schools, the growing number of educational options available and the learning disorders that can hinder a child's progress in school. I consider myself high energy and a bit strange, so I'm sure my postings will be off subject on a consistent basis... I hope you don't mind:).

Please feel free to post comments, questions, concerns and rebuttals to any or all of my posts that may be of interest. I love suggestions and feedback, so please don't hold back! It is my hope to bring light from all sides as we explore such topics. Enjoy and keep on learning:)