My Bio

My name is Karin Stateler. I currently serve as the Digital Learning Support Specialist in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD. This is a new role that falls under the Instructional Technology AND Technology Services umbrella. My main goal in my job is to bridge the communications and tasks gap between Instructional Tech and Tech Services.

Background

Before entering this role, I was a classroom teacher for 16 years. I taught all grades from 5th-12th, though I spent most of my time in the middle grades. Each of those years, I taught mostly science or STEM related content. I know that my wide range of experiences made me who I am today and prepared me for everything I will accomplish moving forward.

Goals

I’m not one to have specific life goals as much as a general idea of where I’m headed. I like to ride the waves of change to determine my next steps. For example, when I taught a STEM elective course at Young Women’s Leadership Academy in Grand Prairie ISD, I knew I needed to learn how to use the iPads that the students were using if I wanted to incorporate technology meaningfully. I took a movie making class. The next year, I was part of a team called the Apple Vanguard. We learned how to use iPads as instructional, creative tools. During that year, the pandemic hit. My movie making skills were extremely relevant as a way to communicate with my students. A few months later, I got a job creating movies for GCISD. My current task is to complete my Master’s Degree in Applied Digital Learning from Lamar University. I look forward to seeing the path this degree program and the changes in education manifest.

Accomplishments

• 2013-14 Teacher of the Year at Sherrod Elementary School in Arlington, TX
• 2015-16 AWARE Nominee in Arlington, TX
• 2018-19 Teacher of the Year at Young Women’s Leadership Academy in Grand Prairie, TX
• 2019-20 Apple Vanguard member

Personal Life

When I’m not working or attending graduate classes, I like to venture outside. I love hiking, kayaking, and bathing in nature. I also love creating art and absorbing art. My favorite medium is traditional pencil and paper, but I am not afraid of any media, even digital arts. I live with my husband, Matt, and our two dogs, Eva and ZuZu.