Monsignor Slade Teacher of the Year Infuses School with Creativity

After celebrating Mass to open Catholic Schools Week, Monsignor Slade Catholic School announced its 2019 - 2020 Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Karin Abbott.

Mrs. Abbott was a Kindergarten teacher at Monsignor Slade eight years ago, then returned in 2018 as an Arts Integration Specialist and music teacher.  In her position, she exposes students from Pre-K4 through 8th grade to music and performing arts in educational ways. She also partners with her colleagues to integrate music and fine arts into interdisciplinary instruction.  Her talent as a collaborative, creative colleague has helped Monsignor Slade to flourish as the faculty refines opportunities to present science, technology, religion, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STREAM) learning opportunities.  

Upon being recognized as Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Abbott said, "Teaching in Catholic schools is a way for me to truly give back to the Lord; I know that the only true way to thank God for the blessings that He provides me was to serve Him. Music and the arts have been the vehicle for practicing my faith throughout my life. Teaching in my current Catholic school gives me a vitally important opportunity to promote school as a gathering place where we will authentically "sing to the Lord" and value teaching the whole child in a faith-based community. I have chosen Catholic schools because it is my purpose, and it has provided me with a sense of noble identity." 

When introducing this year’s recipient, Mrs. Cox, principal of Monsignor Slade, noted, “It is fitting that the Archdiocesan theme for this school year is “Year to Lead”; when I think about this candidate, leadership is certainly a quality which comes to mind.”  Mrs. Abbott is leading the way for Monsignor Slade to expand its well-known arts program. Since joining the faculty, she has developed a Showchoir, a Worship Choir, organized and directed two theatrical performances each year, and continued well-loved traditions, such as Teens Rock, the Christmas Sing-Along, and Grandparents’ Day performances.  Mrs. Abbott also introduced instrumental instruction to fourth and fifth grade students. As part of their music classes, they are learning to play the ukulele.  

Her excitement, creativity, vision, and enthusiasm were evident as Slade middle school students performed sold-out shows of Seussical, the Musical  last year.  Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Hargens, said, “I expected a school play; Seussical was a delightful musical production." after attending one of the performances.

Mrs. Cox knows it will always be a daunting task to choose a ‘Teacher of the Year’ from the many nominations faculty members submit.  She said, “This is never an easy decision to make when we have such qualified, caring, and compassionate teachers.” With recommendations from many of her colleagues, honoring Abbott was a clear choice for Mrs. Cox.  She said, “Fellow faculty members describe her as energetic, creative, kind, collaborative, professional, and supportive.” 

With more than 17 years of service to local schools, students, and the community, Mrs. Abbott’s positive Christian attitude comes across in all that she does.  Mrs. Cox underscored how fitting it was to present the award during Catholic Schools Week. She said, “It is evident that Karin Abbott embodies the mission of Catholic Schools by fostering the unique abilities of each student; she clearly desires for her students to reach their full potential.”