EDITOR'S NOTE: This profile was originally published in the Fall 2023 edition of Surgere Magazine. To see the full publication, click here.

What's in a name? Westridge 8th graders kicked off the school year considering that question while developing reflective poems about their name and origin stories in Middle School Teacher Kara Ramirez's American Studies English class. This provided students a foundation from which to read poetry, narrative non-fiction, and autobiographical fiction composed by Native American authors—and see firsthand how storytelling is a form of agency and activism. Building on this work, students then crafted a personal narrative to be shared with the class. These assignments are just an example of the ways in which Ramirez makes learning English skills accessible.

"My hope is that students develop an emotional response and connection to their reading as a way to deepen their understanding of the people and circumstances that make up the American experience,” Ramirez said. Her philosophy to teaching involves challenging her students to reach a high bar in their learning—with the understanding that how each student reaches or strives to meet the challenges will be different, because what may be challenging for one student may not necessarily be the same for another. To set students up for success in meeting the challenges, she provides support and access which looks like one-on-one meetings and accessibility to communicate with her outside of class time.

“Inherent in all of this is that I believe in the importance of connection and knowing students, so I try to understand who they are outside of an English classroom,” said Ramirez. That belief stems from her own experience growing up in rural northern New Hampshire; her graduating high school had a total of 48 kids, many of whom she had known since kindergarten. “I had very small, student-focused learning experiences and close relationships with my teachers throughout my educational journey,” said Ramirez. “And I think that was a big part of why I was drawn to being a teacher myself.”

In fact, it was her English teacher who helped her decide what college she would attend for undergrad (Colby College in Maine). After a stint in corporate America— including jobs in the finance industry and as a human resources manager for an Irish software company—Ramirez headed to Lesley University for her master’s in elementary education and teaching. There, she was placed at a school that provided her with great insight into the world of independent schools (and perhaps some foreshadowing of her current workplace!).

Ramirez worked at a few other schools before taking a leap to move to California—a move meant to be temporary, but 18 years later, she finds herself enjoying the Golden State. She was first introduced to Westridge through a colleague in the early 2010s; after holding roles both teaching and in administration at Polytechnic School for 13 years, then a two-year tenure at Yavneh Hebrew Academy, she made her way to Westridge in 2022 as the 8th grade English teacher.

Dr. Zanita Kelly, director of Lower & Middle School, said Ramirez’s instructional strategies set her apart. “Her lessons are well-structured, incorporating a balanced mix of discussions, individual work, multimedia resources, and hands-on activities,” said Dr. Kelly. “Kara masterfully integrates outside speakers, such as a Native American griot (Tom Allard) and Octavia's Bookshelf proprietor (Nikki High) to inspire and motivate her students and colleagues.”

In Ramirez’s teaching career, 8th grade is the highest grade level she has taught. And so far, she said as both a seasoned educator and the parent of young adults, she loves teaching the grade level—especially in an all-girls’ environment. “I’m really grateful to see that students who might be overshadowed in another environment are less so here— there’s space for everyone to contribute and grow.”