Karen Lara
Founder & Educational Consultant
I started this work because I saw firsthand the power that building a strong classroom culture had on student engagement and success—both in my own elementary classroom and while coaching teachers during my time as a Teacher on Special Assignment.
When students feel safe, seen, loved, and valued, and they’re encouraged to think critically, be creative, and work together with camaraderie, they don’t just participate—they come alive.
I wanted to build the classroom I needed as a kid.
When I was in elementary school, I went through the motions. I felt unsure of myself, and often didn’t understand why I was learning what I was learning. I was even bullied. I felt like no one really saw me.
That experience stuck with me.
So when I became a teacher, I knew exactly what kind of classroom I wanted to create—one where students would never feel the way I did. I wanted them to feel safe, seen, loved, valued, and smart. I wanted them to understand their own brilliance and feel like they belonged.
And it worked.
In my own classroom, filled with diverse learners, most of whom where English Language Learners, I saw firsthand how a strong classroom culture sparked real growth. By building a culture rooted in connection, camaraderie, and critical thinking, my students thrived. They asked thoughtful questions, sought out challenges, supported one another, and made huge academic gains. At one point, a group of my fifth grade students even led a professional development session. They were motivated, engaged, and took ownership of their learning.
Seeing that transformation lit a fire in me. As a Teacher on Special Assignment, I helped teachers make small but powerful shifts—things like building connection, uniting students, and encouraging deeper thinking. And just like my own classroom, those changes made a big impact. That’s when I knew this work mattered.