LITERACY LEADERSHIP - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Senior Consultant
- Educational Consultant
Karen is an Educational Consultant. She most recently served as a university administrator and faculty member. As a university administrator Dr. Walker was responsible for overseeing undergraduate student success and retention. In her faculty position she served as an Assistant Professor of Education with a focus on Literacy education. Her professional journey which spans for over 20 years started with her serving as classroom teacher and instructional leader in the public and private school sectors. She holds State of Illinois teaching and administrator licensures.
Karen recognizes the purpose and consequences of achieving high levels of literacy and works diligently connecting under-served communities to the world of literacy. Karen has a Master's degree in Language and Literacy and a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership. She combines her experiences as a classroom teacher, university professor and administrator with her knowledge of Literacy and Educational Leadership to increase student achievement.
She believes it is crucial that society, particularly school communities, understand the purpose, importance and consequences of achieving high levels of student literacy. Dr. Walker's research interests include: first generation college student success, policy advocacy, independent student reading and literacy leadership development. Karen is married and resides in Northern Illinois where she enjoys gardening, traveling, relaxing while reading a good book and spending time with her family and friends.