Honorary Resolution for Karen A. Bryar
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that the members of this chamber learned of the honorable retirement of Karen A. Bryar on January 19, 2018; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed body has been notified of her admirable career by the Honorable Michael Zalewski, Alderman of the 23rd, Ward; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Bryar is retiring from more than forty-one years of service and leadership with Chicago Public Schools. The last eleven years were spent as Principal of Blair Early Childhood Center, a school that celebrates the differences in special education; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Bryar obtained her Bachelor's Degree from Chicago State University, a Master's Degree from both Illinois State University and St. Xavier University and completed Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management Executive Education Program; and
WHEREAS, She is licensed as a director of special education, a speech language pathologist, an educator of elementary and early childhood educations, and more; and
WHEREAS, In a blended classroom, all special education students are encouraged to embrace their differences, whether those differences stem from autism, blindness, or hearing impairment; and
WHEREAS, To enhance professional and educational development, Ms. Bryar created and implemented an in-school "new teacher" mentor program. The program paired new teachers with seasoned professionals in order to maximize best learning environment practices as well as teaching skills; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Bryar implemented an Instructional Leadership Team meant to lead grade level meetings to analyze student data and research professional and student development for the entire school; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Bryar enhanced the Blair community bond through the organization and hosting of annual Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas programs, and field days. Each of the events included fundraising opportunities to support the families attending the Blair School; and
WHEREAS, To further develop well-rounded ...
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