Karen Christenson

Karen spent a great deal of her childhood exploring the outdoors with a keen sense of wonder. She now considers it part of her purpose to share this Nature Connection with others. After varied roles as a classroom teacher, curriculum specialist, and professional development facilitator, Karen found her true calling as a science specialist utilizing the outdoor classroom in her urban school district. She believes every season has its own beauty – and considers it a personal challenge to persuade others of this through direct experience.
Karen has taught in Saint Paul Schools for 25 years and is currently facilitating workshops for Jeffers and the MN DNR. In 2014, Karen was named a National Outstanding Educator by Project Learning Tree for “exemplary teaching of environmental education.” In 2016, she was nominated for a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching for her instructional leadership.