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Elementary Principal Started In Clinton

As she begins the next phase of her educational career, Karen Rowe said all her experiences have helped prepare her for this.


In particular, the new Mount Markham Elementary School principal said, her time managing the bakery at Hannaford’s taught her a lot.


“It was a wonderful experience,’’ said Rowe, whose water bottle features a Hannaford sticker. “I worked with all types of adults and learned how to best help everyone.’’


Rowe moves up to lead the Elementary School from her role as Instructional Coach for teachers. She replaces Jennifer McDonald, who moves up to become Director of Curriculum and Development for PreK through 12th grades.


Rowe grew up in Guilderland near Albany, the youngest of three with two older brothers. She did her undergraduate work in education at SUNY Geneseo, choosing the college because of its reputation as a teaching school.


From early on education was her career goal, Rowe said. “I spent one Christmas break teaching my cousin math facts,’’ said Rowe, a self- confessed data nerd.


“I love to learn, love to look at data to see how we can move the needle ahead.’’


After college she settled in the Clinton area, where she earned her Master’s degree from Syracuse University.


She started at the YMCA in the program for school-age children.


That led to a job with the Clinton After School program. Unsure just where she saw her educational career path, Rowe took a break to manage the Hannaford bakery in Clinton.


“I used that time to refocus and learn how to work with adults after spending time with little ones,’’ Rowe said.


Mount Markham hired her in 2019 as the Reading teacher for second and third grades. She worked with eight teachers on improving reading skills in students.


“That taught me the way a good partnership works when we all want to take the best care of our kids,’’ Rowe said.


In the 2023-24 year she became the Instructional Coach for all elementary teachers while doing her administrative internship.


“I could work with all the teachers and hear everyone’s good ideas. ...

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The full story is in this week's edition of the newspaper. 

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