Karen Krantz transforms the lives of her students at Adams Elementary School by creating a culture of excellence and academic rigor that raises achievement. When Krantz moved to fifth grade, science scores on the Washington State Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) increased from 25% to 75% in two years. An impressive 90% of Krantz’s own classroom students met the standard. After taking her talents to sixth grade, 85% of Adams Elementary’s students met the standards in both math and reading. These examples spanning a diversity of subjects are reflective of Krantz’s effective teaching practices with her own students and her influence on the entire faculty as a teacher leader.
Equally well-known for being enthusiastic, engaged and caring, Krantz’s lessons are varied and interactive. She has extraordinary success at involving all of her students, regardless of their degree of readiness when they arrive in her class. In fact, challenging or at-risk students are often purposely placed in her classroom where her methods and demeanor have proven to provide the right environment for these students to rise to their potential, and her students are often sought out for leadership roles on campus. She is deliberate about getting to know her students as learners and as people; students and their families know that she believes in their abilities and will support them in any way necessary.
Krantz is both a campus and Spokane Public Schools leader in expanding effective, thorough teaching practices. Whether creating downloadable math lessons for Smartboards, mentoring new teachers, or working with the district to incorporate more scientific concepts into elementary classes, Krantz is tireless in her pursuit of excellence on behalf of all students.
A role model for students and educators, Krantz’s dedication and hard work reflect the high expectations that she sets for her students. Their engagement, test scores and admiration are testament to her exceptional success.
