Welcome! 

Ms. Karim's Corner

Hello and welcome to all families visiting this overwhelmingly exciting website. I am Ms. Karim! I teach reading, writing, and social science.  My journey in education has taken me from the bustling streets of Chicago to the coastal vibes of Los Angeles, and to the heart of Ohio in Columbus and Cincinnati. I would like to mention here that Cincinnati is famous for their Skyline Chili, and rightfully so, because it is delicious. If you haven't tried it, you should. That said, I bring a pretty diverse range of experiences and perspectives to our classroom.

My academic journey began at THE Ohio State University (GO BUCKS), where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in English. I continued to pursue a Master of Education in secondary education English from DePaul University, a step that further honed my pedagogical skills and allowed me to delve into the intricacies of effective teaching methodologies.

With years of experience in multiple educational landscapes, I've had the privilege of witnessing the transformative power of education firsthand. Through my work in various cities, I've come to understand the unique needs and perspectives of students from diverse backgrounds, enriching my teaching approach and enhancing my ability to create inclusive and engaging learning environments.

While my professional life revolves around the classroom, my personal interests extend beyond that, if you can believe it! In my free time, I ... "enjoy" running at Planet Fitness with a playlist that typically exclusively features Taylor Swift. I also love reading biographies, writing silly things, and playing my ukulele. I can't play it well, if you were wondering. 

This class website serves as a hub of resources, insights, and updates, designed to keep you informed and engaged throughout our educational journey together. I invite you all to explore, learn, and collaborate, as we embark on a quest to cultivate knowledge, critical thinking, and a genuine passion for learning.

See you in class!

Ms. Karim

About Ms. Shannon

Hello MLA Families! 

My name is Ms. Louisa Shannon, and I am honored to return for my fourth year at Murray as the 5th & 6th Grade Science Teacher. After completing my student teaching at Murray fifteen years ago,  I taught intermediate and middle school in Chicagoland charter and public schools.  I have a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy Studies and a Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Elementary Education from the University of Chicago. I  earned my Science Endorsements through coursework at the University of Chicago's SESAME program. I am dually certified in general education and special education, and I have taken graduate courses in gifted education.

I am passionate about cultivating a rigorous, supportive learning environment that empowers every scholar to apply critical thinking competently,  confidently, and conscientiously. Sixth grade is the foundational year for middle school science and is the first year that students are introduced to the key practices of argumentation and active reading.  I look forward to working with you to empower our scholars for success this year and in the future.