Karina Paul was named English Learner (EL) Coordinator at the May 20 Board of Education meeting. 

In her role as English Learner Coordinator, Paul is responsible for supporting school leaders and staff with meeting the academic and social emotional needs of English Learners. She will be working with schools in their efforts to support students as they transition to English. She will be responsible for coordinating schedules, overseeing the administration of ACCESS testing (as required by the state) and ensuring students are making measurable gains within state standards. She will also be working in collaboration with families and with the community through such events as Bilingual Parent Advisory Council (BPAC). 

“I’m excited to start my new role as an English Learner Coordinator,” said Paul. “I am also excited to work in the district where I was once a student. Thank you for the opportunity to help make a difference in the place that helped develop me as a learner.”

Paul has been in education for 15 years, starting as a bilingual resource teacher in 8th grade for District 15 teaching Language Arts and Writing. After that, she became a bilingual resource teacher for grades 3rd-6th in the same district where she co-taught with teachers to support their multilingual learners, provided services to newcomers, and provided small group reading and math instruction. During her last years in District 15, Paul was a classroom teacher for kindergarten, ½ multiage, and second grade. In 2020-2022, she taught first grade in East Maine School District 63. For the past two years, she  has been able to be a homeschool mother in Haiti.  

Paul received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from North Park University, she also holds a Master of Arts degree in Teaching and Leadership from Saint Xavier University, as well as a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago.

“Ms. Paul is a wonderful addition to our District 62 Team,” said Director of Second Language Programs Elizabeth Juskiewicz. “She has a strong background in working with both EL and bilingual programs. Her positive attitude and strong work ethic make her a wonderful asset to our district and our programs. I look forward to seeing her connect with and support our students, staff, and community.”

Paul and her husband Evens have four children, Mayra (18), Loulou (16), Abbey (8), and Hannah (7). As a family, they love to travel to the beach and play board games. For the past 12 years, they have been serving the people of La Victoire, Haiti where Paul’s husband was born and raised. They have also lived in Haiti for the past two years, recently moving back to the States. 

“From a young age, I have loved to explore new languages and cultures,” said Paul. “I’ve been able to travel the world from an early age thanks to my parents. I believe that learning languages is an asset. I am excited to be working in a district that has the privilege of having so much diversity.” 

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