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Welcome, teacher friends! I'm Karen McDavid and I developed Teaching is Elementary to help busy teachers find creativity and joy in the classroom. I believe that a successful classroom is rooted in three key principles: effective classroom management, organization, and student engagement. I'll be sharing effective classroom management strategies that save time and nurture a positive classroom climate, organization tips and tricks, and curriculum resources that spark creativity and joy. Teaching is my life's passion. As an educator I get to live my best life -- helping students and teachers find success in the classroom.

I started teaching in 2002 as a second grade teacher. For the last 10 years I have taught 3rd grade and love it! I hold a specialist degree in Elementary Education from Troy State University and am a Harvard Fellow.

I am also my school's PBIS Coach, a certified teacher mentor, and a Teacher's Pay Teacher's author.

In 2012 I was named my school's teacher of the year. I changed school's and in 2015 I was named teacher of the year for my new school. I went on to be named a "Top Ten" teacher for my school district.

I am the mom to a fabulously amazing pre-teen, wife to my best friend, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and a dog mom to my adorable beagle. Yes, you guessed it -- life is BUSY! As teachers we wear lots of hats, but we can still "create" balance and find joy in our classroom.

As a mentor, I love helping new teachers as they navigate their first years of teaching, but teachers in general are always searching for best practices in teaching. My goal is to help you find new, innovative ideas that can help you manage your classroom with creativity and joy.

I am also my school's PBIS Coach, a certified teacher mentor, and a Teacher's Pay Teacher's author.

In 2012 I was named my school's teacher of the year. I changed school's and in 2015 I was named teacher of the year for my new school. I went on to be named a "Top Ten" teacher for my school district.

I am the mom to a fabulously amazing pre-teen, wife to my best friend, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and a dog mom to my adorable beagle. Yes, you guessed it -- life is BUSY! As teachers we wear lots of hats, but we can still "create" balance and find joy in our classroom.

As a mentor, I love helping new teachers as they navigate their first years of teaching, but teachers in general are always searching for best practices in teaching. My goal is to help you find new, innovative ideas that can help you manage your classroom with creativity and joy.

MY HIGHLIGHT REEL

Love the calmness our modern farmhouse theme brings!

What are your dreams?

Always be yourself! You are wonderfully unique!

I was named a Top Ten Teacher of the Year for my school district.

My mom and I at the Teacher of the Year Banquet.

Harvard with Howard Gardner.

Harvard with David Perkins.

An afternoon of debriefing at Harvard.

Don't you just love Ron Clark?

My first grade teacher, Mrs. Davis. She always made me feel loved and valued. She continues to inspire my teaching practices. I consider her one of my greatest blessings!

I love cows! I try to add them to my room decor.

Rosie the Cow! Such a fun character.

Married to the best teacher husband on the planet!

We love going to the Tennessee mountains and hiking or visiting the mines.

You know, just clowning around with the love of my life!

Mom to this handsome 11 year old.

My adorable Luke chilling in the backyard.

Find joy in the small things. These cookies were always in the cookie jar at my grandparents house. So Yummy!!!

I will stop the car to help a turtle cross the road!

Join me in the Teaching is Elementary Facebook Group. Find inspiration and ideas for the busy teacher! This is a place to collaborate, ask questions, and share ideas on classroom management, student engagement, organization, and so much more! I hope to see you there.

Join the Teaching is Elementary VIP “Busy Teacher Community” where you’ll find FREE printables that help you save time in the classroom.

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