My name is Karen Lirenman and I am a primary teacher in the Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. I began my teaching career in 1992 and in that time I've taught Kindergarten, Grade One, Kindergarten/Grade One Combined, Grade One/Grade Two Combined, and ESL K-7. I have taught in three Surrey schools although most of my teaching has been at the same school. In 2009 I spent one year on an International Teaching Fellowship (teaching exchange) teaching in a school in Melbourne, Australia. Living and working in Australia was an incredible opportunity but going through three principals and three assistant principals in one year wasn't the most positive teaching experience. Despite the less than positive work environment I learned a ton, made some excellent connections, and plan to return to Australia in the future to exchange at another Australian school. Back in Canada I work in a pretty awesome school with great kids, great parents, and a great staff. We are, of course, far from perfect but as a community we work quite well together. My teaching is constantly changing though because just like my students, I rarely sit still.
Outside of my "job" I enjoy being active and fit. I have competed in marathons since 1999, and triathlons up to and including ironman distance races, since 2002. I've dabbled with volleyball, dragon boat racing, and softball too. I love the outdoors and pre long distance running and triathlons I used to hike all the time. At present I'm on a bit of a yoga kick and I'm certainly a work in progress. I also love food and travel. I like to push boundaries and discover new things.
