Becky Karsies joins the Grand Haven School District with 28 years of experience in special education of all ages, her career inspired by her interactions with the visually impaired in her own high school years. As the dedicated braillist she assists the visually impaired students around the high school and aims to build connections while helping students grow into being independent.
How long have you been teaching/working in schools?
28 years. I’ve worked with several students who were blind, always brailling for them, and teacher assisting all ages, from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Where did you go to high school and learn braille?
I went to Creston High School in Grand Rapids. And I learned braille through a correspondence course.
Have you found something more difficult than you expected transitioning to GHAPS?
I’m kind of an introvert, so just getting to know people.
Have you felt accepted at GHAPS?
Yeah. People are very friendly. And I’ve had teachers, and actually the special education director I knew from before, pop in and say hi.
Have you always wanted to be a teacher/work in education?
Yes, working with special needs like either vision impaired or caring impaired. It came from when I was in high school and met a man who was blind and just intrigued me, and kind of went from there. When I started subbing, and then kind of fell in love with the vision-impaired population.
How do you make your classroom unique?
Getting to know personalities and building relationships.
What does your typical planning time look like?
Preparing would be looking in books and researching and trying to figure out exactly what the teacher wants to communicate in braille. And with going mostly digital, figuring out graphs and diagrams and stuff like that.
What is your proudest achievement?
I would have to say, besides my family, learning braille because it’s fairly difficult. Along with seeing the students I’ve worked with in the past grow, typically I’m with them for six to ten years. I follow them through school and watching them grow makes me proud. Most of my students went on to college and got married and have jobs and something that’s very difficult for a blind person, so just watching them grow into independence is pretty amazing.
What do you enjoy the most about working at GHHS so far?
The friendly staff, I would say everybody’s very nice and pops in and is willing to help.
Who is your favorite musical artist?
I like Christian music. So I would have to say Aaron Shust.
What is your pet peeve?
People don’t do what they say they’re gonna do.
What are you doing when you are out of school?
When I’m out of school, I love to be with my family and grandkids. I also love to bike, read and play piano.
If you could do anything on your weekend what would it be?
Well, since I’m old, I’d love to go to the beach and watch the sunset.
Three things to a desert island?
I would bring a blanket, a Swiss Army knife, and a compass.
What’s a bucket list item for you?
A bucket list item would be to travel to different historical places. I love history. I’d want to see different presidential sites and around the United States to learn about their success and stories.
