Face Time: Karen Glovka

This article originally appeared in the winter 2018 issue of Harker Magazine.

Karen Glovka teaches Spanish at the lower school, but her classroom isn’t the only place she utilizes her language skills. She teaches Spanish-speaking children through her church, and often helps Hispanic immigrant families understand the ins and outs of public school. She also teaches in Harker’s ELI program each summer. And to aid her Harker students with oral comprehension, she wrote a series of stories featuring her 16-year-old cat, Chiquita. Read on to learn more about this caring and fun teacher.

What are two things you like to do when you have a block of free time?
Reading and watching Turner Classic Movies – always with a good cup of coffee for both.

Why do you do what you do?
I’m from inner-city San Francisco. Many of my school friends could not read, even in middle school while I was consuming novels. A teacher encouraged me to help others with their schoolwork. As they made progress, I was very excited to watch them learn. It’s why I am a teacher.

What is the biggest risk you have taken in your life?
In 1985 I went to teach with a church group in Cali, Colombia. It wasn’t a safe place, but I had seven fulfilling years there.

What gives you a reason to smile?
Kid logic and funny stories. I have a rather quirky, “Far Side” kind of humor.

Where in the world are you the happiest?
Most Thursday nights I’m at choir practice. Music makes me very happy!

For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
I was diagnosed with a severe hip problem at an early age. The first doctors said I would never walk. Thanks to skilled surgeons and continued improvement in treatment, I walk, and I am very grateful.

Face Time: Karen Glovka

Karen Glovka teaches Spanish at the lower school, but her classroom isn’t the only place she utilizes her language skills. She teaches Spanish-speaking children through her church, and often helps Hispanic immigrant families understand the ins and outs of public school. She also teaches in Harker’s ELI program each summer. And to aid her Harker students with oral comprehension, she wrote a series of stories featuring her 16-year-old cat, Chiquita. Read on to learn more about this caring and fun teacher.

What are two things you like to do when you have a block of free time?
Reading and watching Turner Classic Movies – always with a good cup of coffee for both.

Why do you do what you do?
I’m from inner-city San Francisco. Many of my school friends could not read, even in middle school while I was consuming novels. A teacher encouraged me to help others with their schoolwork. As they made progress, I was very excited to watch them learn. It’s why I am a teacher.

What is the biggest risk you have taken in your life?
In 1985 I went to teach with a church group in Cali, Colombia. It wasn’t a safe place, but I had seven fulfilling years there.

What gives you a reason to smile?
Kid logic and funny stories. I have a rather quirky, “Far Side” kind of humor.

Where in the world are you the happiest?
Most Thursday nights I’m at choir practice. Music makes me very happy!

For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
I was diagnosed with a severe hip problem at an early age. The first doctors said I would never walk. Thanks to skilled surgeons and continued improvement in treatment, I walk, and I am very grateful.