CHESTERTOWN — After 36 years as an educator with Kent School’s Little School, Karen Schauber is retiring — and per direction from Kent School’s board of trustees, the school for 3- and 4-year-olds now will be known as The Karen Schauber Little School.
In a written statement, Head of School Nancy Mugele said, “In 1990, Karen Schauber joined the Kent School community to teach in Little School. Our Little School had opened just three years earlier, and Karen has been the steadfast light shining on generations of Kent School families for well over three decades. Karen is kind, patient, caring, creative, funny and she loves to INSPIRE young hearts and minds.”
Schauber’s legacy is defined by excellence, compassion and a profound belief in the potential of every student, Mugele said.
At the dedication ceremony on April 24, surrounded by Schauber’s family and friends, Mugele shared remarks from some of Schauber’s colleagues, past and present.
A sampling is printed here.
“Karen has been a mentor and a guiding presence since I began at Kent School. She is not only a magnificent artist, but also has a beautiful singing voice — and an incredible ability to create a song [and even a dance!] about anything we were teaching.”
“I had the privilege of working with Karen during my first two years at Kent School. One of the first things I noticed was how deeply the children loved her. They were completely drawn to her in a way that was both immediate and genuine.”
She also “has a gift that can’t really be taught — the ability to create magic in a classroom. Whether it was through her songs, her storytelling, or the quiet, thoughtful way she connected with each child.”
“Mrs. Schauber put her heart and soul into creating the foundation for our children to become the best versions of themselves. I’ve had the honor of working with one of the best. And when I had my own children, knowing Mrs. Schauber’s kind and gentle ways reassured me that my girls were always in excellent care. We love her so much and hope she enjoys her retirement!”
Kent School is an independent day school located on Wilkins Lane outside of Chestertown that serves girls and boys from preschool through grade 8. Established in 1967, the school serves students from Delaware and the Upper and Mid-Shore of Maryland.
