Pay It Forward: Karen Russell of Montgomery
AUTAUGA COUNTY, Ala. (WAKA Action 8) – Karen Russell of Montgomery is the kind of teacher every student wants. In fact, even her students say she is their favorite teacher.
Russell works at Autauga Valley School in Prattville — teaching science for 7th through 12th grades. The school provides education for young male teenagers who are committed to the department of youth services.
In class, she keeps her students engaged through demonstrations, lessons and projects. But, what sets her apart is her heart.
“I try to engage my kids,” says Russell. “I love God’s world. I love discovery, and if I can make them a little excited about asking questions about science. Because they’re always usually saying ‘why science?’ and so I’m just wanting them to catch that awe. When they can have those ‘aha’ moments and just enjoy what god has given us. So I am excited when I can just connect with them.”
Russell’s impact goes beyond the classroom — inspiring students and making them feel supported. Those close to her say Russell doesn’t just teach students — she recognizes that every student learns differently.
“Our children come from all over the state of Alabama, and sometimes they come to us with such low self-esteem sometime,” says Tobithean Alexander, the principal at Autauga Valley. “Just doesn’t have that drive to do or want to do or attempt to do educational things. But Mrs. Russell puts that spark in them and they get it done. And I’m just so proud of her and so proud of the work she does in the classroom.”
And that’s why Stewart Vance with the Vance law firm is paying it forward to her.
Russell says she considers what she does — a ministry. Through her enthusiasm and creativity, she encourages every student to mazimize their individual skills to be all they can be.
“She has lit a fire in the children to have passion to want to learn,” says Alexander. “She has initiated an incentive in her class where the kdis have to work so many hours online and they compete. They compete and then at the end, she gives them a prize. And she has a top 5 board and they fight to get on to.”
“I’ve told them I want to be their biggest cheerleader,” says Russell. “They come from so many different backgrounds and have heard so many negative things. If I can just help in part a few positive things that would just make them excited about learning.”
And Russell says her $333 will be put to very good use…
‘I have two cars, both of which are experiencing major problems. I need a car, I don’t know how that is going to help quite yet. And then also my daughter is in an apartment situation at her school. But our cars are driving until they drop. And they are about to drop. So it may be put towards that. But I’m just overwhelmed.”
Thank You, Karen, for all you to do Pay It Forward!
