Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
When Kara Washington decided to leave the classroom and begin work as a reading coach, she asked herself, "What would have been helpful to me as a new teacher?" The answers to that question motivate Washington as she makes her way to three different schools within the Madison County School District. While she spends most of her time at Madison County Central School, simply because of the size of the school, Washington also spends time with the teachers at Greenville Elementary School and Pinetta Elementary School.
The long-time Madison County resident moved to Madison from Tallahassee when she was in the eighth grade. Soon after graduating from Madison County High School, Washington began working as a para-professional with the school district. During that time, Washington began taking classes on a part-time basis from Florida A&M University (FAMU) when the university operated a satellite program in Madison. In total, Washington has been with the Madison County School District for 24 years, mostly as an elementary grades classroom teacher.
Working with teachers after having been in the classroom for many years has given Washington a greater appreciation for current classroom teachers. "I am so proud of our teachers, especially in light of all the recent challenges with distance learning," said Washington. "Our teachers are some of the most creative and resourceful people you will ever meet."
Washington is married to Billy Washington, the Madison County Clerk of Courts. They have two children, a son, Gage, who is currently in school at North Florida College and a daughter, Lillian, who will be entering the ninth grade at James Madison Preparatory High School in the fall.