Karen Sleno

Flushing, MI | 7-12, Mathematics, 2023

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

Of all subjects, the study of STEM is truly at the heart of what makes the world spin. We can see the outplay of scientific and mathematical principles everywhere we look, both in our homes and in nature. Certainly, the tools that make our lives easier are due to advancements in science and engineering. For that reason, I feel compelled to share that significance with my students, not so that they can all become scientists themselves, but so that they can appreciate the principles at play.

What has been the most transformative moment that affirmed your impact on STEM education?

There have been many moments that reinforce my career choice and dedication to STEM education. Each time a student graduates to pursue a career in STEM, I share in that success. When my students are recognized for their efforts in a STEM field, I share a small part of their joy. As one individual, I feel that my biggest impact is on those students who go forward to do great things in STEM and make this pursuit their life's journey. In contrast, I an equally thrilled when I see a student find success after struggling in a math course and realizing that they too have the power to appreciate this journey we are on.

Using your platform as a Presidential Awardee, how do you hope to advance our nation in STEM?

My goal is to take a hard look at how we are educating our students in mathematics and to explore and promote ways that allow students to truly internalize the concepts and apply them to their own lives. Math is not a subject that can be trapped between the covers of a book...it is visual, it is contextual, and it is filled with patterns! Helping students to appreciate that beauty is the duty of every person who has made STEM education their chosen field.

Biography

Karen Sleno has taught at Flushing High School for the past 30 years. She previously taught for two years at Nouvel Catholic Central High School. Karen has been an adjunct instructor at Mott Community College since 2001 and an Advanced Placement Calculus BC instructor at the Center for Talented Youth at Johns Hopkins University since 2022. Karen currently teaches AP Calculus AB and BC, AP Precalculus, and Consumer Math to 10th-12th grade students. In her role as department coordinator since 2000, she has led teachers through curriculum changes, new course development, and several textbook reviews. Karen coached the school’s quiz bowl team for 28 years, clinching the state championship in 2016. One of her proudest achievements at Flushing High School is the implementation of a mathematics honor society in 2003, Mu Alpha Theta. Students in this organization explore mathematical topics with each other and learn applications far beyond the classroom. Their enthusiasm for the subject has enabled the group to grow significantly in recent years. Outside of the classroom, Karen is an AP Calculus and Precalculus consultant for the College Board where she conducts workshops for teachers around the world each summer. She is also a member of the AP Calculus Test Development Committee as well as a Texas Instruments instructor. Finally, she works with the team at Calc Medic to support AP teachers by designing activities and contributing to the weekly email blog. Karen has a B.S., summa cum laude, in mathematics and English at Saginaw Valley State University and an M.A. in mathematics at Oakland University. She is certified to teach mathematics, English, and psychology, and is a Level 2 certified Google instructor. She was honored as a 2022 Michigan Regional Teacher of the Year.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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