Ms. Karszes is one of the administrators at HHIHS who is in charge of the ninth grade. She is great at taking care of students and staff with her passion for teaching, and the creativity she brings in.
Q: What experiences have you had other than being an administrator?
A: I taught 7th – 9th grade English in Amarillo, Texas for eight years. I have taught 9-11th grade English for 16 years at HHIHS. I was the IB MYP (Middle Years Coordinator) for eight years. I was also the English Department Chairperson for eight years as well.
Q: What kinds of other “plan b” jobs would you have if you never chose to become an administrator/teacher”
A: I did not begin my career as a teacher. I went to The Citadel and was obtaining my MBA – Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. I ended up not finishing that degree and moving away to Amarillo, Texas. There I began as substitute teacher while I remodeled a home. I fell in love with the classroom, the students, and the teachers. So, I went through PACE and obtained a teaching certificate. I have been teaching ever since.
Q: How do you handle a challenging problem?
A: I slow down and think about it from different perspectives. I use the guidelines of the district and school to guide decisions. I talk to the other Assistant Principals and the Principal. I make the decision and follow through. If it doesn’t work out, we adjust and try again.
Q: What are your strengths to as an better administrator?
A: I believe I learn something every day. I try to listen to all points of view. I believe I have a good rapport with students and try to be fair and equitable to all.
Q: Is there anything that you would like to change in the school?
A: If I had a magic wand and could change some things in the school, these are the changes: No student would wear HOODIES! No student would be TARDY! More students would challenge themselves to take on the IB Diploma Program.
