SUU Alumna Becomes K-12 Arts Specialist
Published: September 03, 2020 | Author: Savannah Byers | Read Time: 3 minutes
Southern Utah University alumna Karen Kidd has enjoyed many exciting opportunities in the education field through the years. Most recently, Kidd has taken on a new position as the K-12 District Arts Specialist for Nebo School District.
“My primary goal is to support the arts in all Nebo Schools,” said Kidd. “I want our schools to be communal places where the arts happen and where people come to participate in arts experiences. I want the arts to facilitate crucial conversations and experiences that help students better understand the world in which they live.”
Prior to earning this position, Kidd worked with middle and high school students across the state teaching topics in theatre, film, and English. Additionally, she has served as a Nebo School District Title 1 Coordinator, Elementary Theatre Specialist with Growing Arts in Nebo Schools, and Intern Assistant Principal for Thomas Jefferson Junior High.
"Arts integration is an essential component of the elementary education degree in the Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development, so it is thrilling to see that one of our alumni is serving in this crucial position,” said Alisa Petersen, artsFUSION director. “Karen’s leadership will empower teachers in her district to help students academically, socially, and emotionally through the arts.”
The K-12 District Arts Specialist position will involve coordinating the arts programs across the dozens of schools in the Nebo School District. In this new position, Kidd will create new opportunities for students and faculty, promote the inclusion of arts across curriculum, and work to integrate the arts with other content areas.
“There was a lot I needed to learn over the last three years about working in the elementary schools and working with teachers at that level from an administrative perspective,” said Kidd. “The secondary world is what I know, but now I feel equally confident in the elementary realm. I am excited to have a job that allows me to continue working in all levels of the K-12 spectrum.”
Kidd began her undergraduate studies in education at SUU. She changed her major seven times before settling on theatre and English. After teaching for several years, she returned to SUU to earn her administrative license to advance her career opportunities in the education field.
“I believe that who I am as an educator is due to the fact that throughout my career I have found other teachers who have been my mentors, sounding boards, and cheering section,” said Kidd.
Students in SUU’s education programs are supported by a caring team of professionals who strive to equip educators with the tools to be successful in the field.
“I have been profoundly impressed with the learners with whom I have come in contact with such as Karen,” said Dr. Tony Pellegrini, director of graduate studies in education. “Her passion for the arts is palpable and through her experiences in our educational leadership program, she has been able to multiply that passion and expand her service and influence from a classroom or school setting of learners, to influence a district-wide group of learners. I am grateful that my efforts to improve educational opportunities for learners in Utah can be put into practice through Karen's excellent efforts!”
The College of Education and Human Development is a flagship program at SUU. The education department strives to develop educators who are academically competent, experienced, prepared, understand the need for both art and science in education and have effective classroom management. Learn more about graduate studies in education.
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