Jane Stewart | Award of Excellence

Jane Stewart | Award of Excellence

Karina Heggeness

What are the characteristics of a passionate person? A passionate person possesses a deep curiosity about the world around them. They are brimming with ideas, energy, and charisma. They have the ability to lead and inspire others to follow their ideas. Karina Heggeness embodies this descriptor perfectly. During six years at The Westview School, Karina has inspired, taught, and loved her students, coworkers, and Westview families, proving to be an enthusiastic, energetic, and optimistic leader who has significantly impacted our school.

Karina's passion for special education started early. Her younger brother struggled in school and bounced around from school to school with teachers and kids that didn't always understand him. "I never wanted anyone to feel out of place the way [my brother] did," said Karina.

Karina attended Fordham University in the Bronx and was following a trajectory toward a career in social work. During her required fieldwork in her senior year, Karina was placed in a school for special needs. "I had to do classroom observations and visits and immediately knew I made a mistake," recalls Karina. "All I wanted to do was be in the classroom with those incredible kids from then on. I knew I had to make a career change, so I completed my Bachelor of Social Work and continued my education for a Masters in Special Education."

In December 2016, Karina completed school and was ready to make the move back to Houston. She began applying for teaching jobs, and The Westview School was one of several schools where she interviewed. It was immediately apparent to Karina that Westview was indeed a unique and special place.

"I had been on two interviews before Westview where the schools didn't seem to care who they were hiring," mused Karina, "When I got to Westview for my interview, it was a completely different story." Karina recalls the interview feeling personal. "I was asked so many detailed questions about both my experience and myself," said Karina. "Westview really cared about getting to know me. I truly felt like it mattered to them who they hired," said Karina. "I accepted the job on the spot and started work the very next day."

At Westview, Karina has blossomed into a confident, self-assured person who has gained the respect and trust of her colleagues, as well as the parents of their students.

Karina's passion for her job is evident in everything she does. One colleague observed, "Karina rises to any challenge and always finds ways to make her lessons interesting, engaging, and meaningful to her students. She is the first to celebrate when a student reaches a new milestone or overcomes an obstacle."

She is fantastic at building relationships with her students and fostering their self-esteem growth. The way Karina genuinely exudes so much love, care, and concern for her students is magical to watch.

One colleague described Karina as "someone who not only cares for her students but monitors and adjusts, implements behavior plans, has a professional demeanor, and helps students achieve goals."

"I truly just don't have the words to say what my students mean to me," said Karina. "They are pure magic in all that they do. Watching them grow and accomplish new things throughout the school year is a joy to witness," Karina shared. "I am just so proud of all of them. To know them is to love them."

Karina shared how honored she feels about being named Teacher of the Year and humbly gave her coworkers credit. "I work with just the most amazing, passionate people," she gushed. "Every Westview Teacher deserves this award," said Karina, "I wouldn't be the teacher I am without them."

The Jane Stewart Award of Excellence is awarded yearly to a teacher who provides exemplary service to the students and the school. With great appreciation and admiration, we are delighted to award the 2022-2023 Jane Stewart Award of Excellence to Kindergarten teacher Karina Heggeness.