Karen Albano began her journey in education 15 years ago as a 7th and 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher. Prior to her transition to the Northampton Public Schools as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, she served as a Social Studies Department Chair, Elementary Lead Teacher and, most recently, as an Elementary Principal. In addition, Karen was the Assistant Director of Emerging America, a Library of Congress program at the Collaborative for Educational Services, where she assisted in the development of weekly educator newsletters, curriculum, and the collaborative creation and instruction of professional development offerings on a local and national scale. She earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in Education and History from Westfield State University and is currently a Doctor of Education ABD student at Northeastern University. Karen is committed to building relationships with all members of the school community and ensuring equitable access to high-quality, engaging, anti-bias learning opportunities and curriculum for all students.