KAREN RYDER

Karen boasts over 25 years as an adjunct instructor at Syracuse University and a stellar track record collaborating with government and non-profit organizations on community projects. Recognized with awards like the NYS Assembly Proclamation for Excellence in Civics Education, Karen champions student-centered, project-based learning with a focus on skill development. Now, as a Skills Win Consultant with Caper Associates, she's eager to empower educators to cultivate 21st-century skills in their students, envisioning a better world through education.
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EDUCATION

1996, MS Health Education (K-12)
Sage Graduate School
1991, BA Social Studies/Secondary Education (7-12)
Russell Sage College
1989, AA Elementary Education
Jr. College of Albany

CERTIFICATIONS

  • National Board Certified Teacher- Social Studies Adolescent and Young Adult
  • New York State teaching license in Social Studies 7-12 Permanent Certification
  • New York State teaching license in Health 7-12 Permanent Certification

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

 

  • NYS Assembly Proclamation for Excellence in Civics Education (2024)
  • Schalmont High School Ryder Scholarship- Funded by GAR Associates (2006-2014)
  • Donald E. Willetts Award- Excellence in Education Award
  • Union College- Excellence in Teaching Award
  • Community Service Award- Town of Rotterdam
  • Public Communications Award- NYS Assessors Association Inc.

PRESENTATIONS & CONFERENCES

  • Syracuse University Project Advance- Political Studies 101 Seminar Presenter

      • Working with Government Officials

  • The Capital District Council for the Social Studies of New York State (CDCSS)

      • Participation in Government Curriculum and Authentic Assessments

  • Public Affairs 101 Government Policy Presentations on all levels of government

      • NYS, Schenectady County, Town of Rotterdam, Schalmont School Board

  • NYS Social Studies Conferences & Capital District Council for Social Studies

EXPERIENCE

Social Studies Department Coordinator
September 2023
  • Oversee and collaborate with grades 9 – 12 Social Studies department teachers.
  • Conduct monthly department meetings agenda and minutes.
  • Oversee curriculum, instruction, Academic Intervention Services (AIS), local testing and Regents Examinations.
  • Meet monthly with Administration and serve as a liaison between teachers and administration with regard to policy, curriculum, APPR, midterms, finals, Regents Exams and policies influencing teachers and students.
Social Studies Teacher, Schalmont High School
September 1992 – Present
  • Teaching responsibilities included instruction of Social Studies curriculum on all grade levels 9-12. Current position focuses on Participation in Government, SUPA Policy Studies and Economic Ideas & Issues. Social Studies Academic Intervention Services including preparing students for the NYS Regents in Global Studies and United States History & Government, and student support on all grade levels to successfully complete the NYS mandated curriculum. AIS includes collaborating with every member of the department and differentiating all grade level curriculums.
  • Co-developed curriculum and integration protocols for middle school to high school social sciences, including 7th & 8th grade to create a cohesive alliance.
  • Served as class advisor for the class of 1997, coordinating extensive fundraising activities and class events, such as junior ball, senior prom, senior banquet, class picnics, winter formals, etc.
  • Served as Student Council Advisor 21 years, developed the Executive Board Officers, Executive Session Meetings, utilized Roberts Rules of Order, creating agenda and review secretary minutes, coordinating all student class representatives, developed the voting authentic experience with Schenectady County Board of Elections, Town Government Day (Law Day), Student Cabinet, fundraising coordinator, Pep Rally / Homecoming weekend events, Snow Ball Semi Formal (1997-2018).
  • Cooperating Teacher with Union, SUNY Albany, St. Rose supervised and trained student teachers.

 

Adjunct Professor, Syracuse University, Syracuse, N.Y.
Public Affairs 101 / Political Studies 101
1995 – Present
    • Concurrent Enrollment 3 Credit Course introducing students to Public Policy Issues. Utilizing a skills based curriculum, complete a Community Link Team Approach Project (CLTA) for various levels of government and a Team Policy Exercise for the high school principal / superintendent.
    • Students developed policy and procedures for all levels of government.
Economics Ideas and Issues
1999 – Present
    • Concurrent Enrollment 3 Credit Course introducing students to macro and micro economic concepts, level 200 class.
Professional Development:
  • SUPA Professional Development Seminars for Adjunct Instructors (1995 – present)
    • Four Times per year- Two Policy Studies & Two Economic Seminars
  • STI Professional Development Courses (2012-2020)
    • Exploring the Video Infused Classroom Featuring WeVideo, Social Studies Frameworks Training, Media Use Workshop, Smart Goal Workshop, SLO Writing Workshop
  • Critical Thinking Train the Trainer (2018)
  • Building Adolescent Writers with Kelly Gallagher
  • American History Project- Union College (2003-2005)
Coaching:
  • Modified Softball (1993)
  • Modified Soccer (2010 – 2014)
    • Assisted in the development of two NYS State Championship Teams 2011 & 2017