From left to right: Robert Ray (former governor, State of Iowa), Karen Nagle
and Debby Dearden (1997 president, IAHPERD)
1997 IAHPERD Physical Educator of the Year
After being graduated from Loras College in 1977, Karen started her career in the Dubuque Community School District where she taught physical education, health education, adapted physical education, and coached. In 1982 she moved to the Iowa City Community School district where she has continued her dedicated service in elementary and adapted physical education as well as coaching, serving as a Special Olympics Facilitator, and Peer Assistance Team Co-coordinator. Since 1988 she has authored or co-authored no fewer than eight curricular documents for her district, numerous articles for the Grant Wood Area Education Agency, an article in the Iowa City Press Citizen promoting physical education, an IAHPERD Journal article, and numerous contributions to the Elementary Physical Education Sharing Booklet. Her numerous presentations include eight at IAHPERD state conventions since 1988, and at national conventions in Las Vegas and California.
Karen is an active contributor to her community. She has served as a volunteer for the Iowa City Hospice Road Race, RAGBRAI, Bowling for Kid's Sake, Special Olympics, City High School Band, Cub Scouts, and her church.
One colleague wrote of Karen, she is warm, gentle, and very caring with students, parents, and other professionals. Her dedication and commitment to meeting each individual student's needs is phenomenal. She has developed one of the most creative and innovative curriculums in the State of Iowa and has shared many of her ideas at the state and national levels. Another wrote: It is obvious that Karen is concerned with the whole child. She makes every effort to integrate her program and establish rapport with not only her students but also with other faculty, parents, and members of the community. Karen excels at taking her program beyond the gymnasium walls and she is always willing to be an advocate for physical education. Whether it is the superintendent doing the Macarena on the Hoover playground, the first graders dancing to New York, New York at a high school basketball game, or an early morning game of student-parent volleyball, you know Karen has made it happen. KarenUs Principal, Marilyn Wirtz, concludes a glowing letter about Karen with these words: Above all, Karen is a child advocate and a wonderful teacher. She is a joy to work with and I applaud he selection as IAHPERD Elementary Physical Educator of the Year. All of IAHPERD joins KarenUs principal in that applause.