For Kara Thornberry, teaching was more than a career choice. From an early age, she knew that the classroom was where she wanted to be. She would often play "school" with friends and siblings growing up, eventually leading to her lifelong passion.
“I really had no other career idea,” Thornberry said.
After high school, Thornberry attended a small Catholic college where she pursued her dream of becoming an educator. She worked in a kindergarten classroom as part of a work-study program.
“I was able to help children and see how rewarding it was. It was during this time I realized I loved working with kids, especially those with special needs,” Thornberry said.
Thornberry’s career officially began in 2006 when she joined the Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative, which opened her eyes to the world of special education. Working in schools like Highland Middle School and Lake Ridge Middle School, she focused on middle school special education which allowed her to make an impact on the lives of many students.
After spending several years working in special education, she transitioned into taking on the role of a kindergarten teacher at Jones Elementary School in Portage. It was a shift that Thornberry embraced wholeheartedly.
“You see so much growth from the beginning of the year to the end. There are so many milestones, and we celebrate things like the 100th day of school, which the kids absolutely love,” Thornberry said. “The students, co-teachers, and staff are the best part of my job. They make it worth going to work every day, and over time, they become like a second family. I spend 180 days with these kids, and on the last day of school, it’s like saying goodbye to family members.”
When she’s not teaching, Thornberry enjoys spending time with her family. Her 14-year-old daughter plays travel softball, and Thornberry actively serves on the parent board at Nativity of our Savior Catholic School, where her daughter attends school. She also loves the idea of working in a flower shop when she retires.
Thornberry’s story is a great reminder of the impact a teacher can have on a child’s life.