Hi, my name is Karen Williams and this is my 25th year of teaching Physical Education at Furneaux Elementary.  I graduated from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1975 with a B.S. in Education Degree and have been teaching for 27 years.  I began college at Stephen F. Austin State University in 1972 and transferred to Tyler in 1974. I taught for a semester at UT at Tyler as a graduate student in Exercise Physiology while working on my Master's Degree. I began teaching  in Tyler at a private high school, T.K. Gorman in 1976. I taught 7th -12th  grade Physical Education, Health and coached Volleyball and Track  I moved with my husband to Baton Rouge LA. in 1980 and taught for a year in East Baton Rouge Parish ISD  in adapted PE. We started a family and I took several years off to stay home with my two young sons. My husband's job moved us to the Dallas area where I began teaching Physical Education in CFBISD at Furneaux in 1984.       I decided that I wanted to teach when I was in 5th grade.  I loved physical education and sports but was unhappy with the program I was in.  I knew I could make a difference in the lives and health of children and that is why "I teach".  I have also coached several sports along the way.  I especially love coaching softball, volleyball, and track  I played volleyball and ran track in high school and played volleyball, badminton, softball, and  flag football in college. My favorite sport to watch is football and of course the Dallas Cowboys have been my "team" since I was very young child.  My other hobbies include calligraphy, gardening, traveling, hunting, fishing, and sewing.  I love to read and do crossword puzzles in the fall while swimming is my favorite summer activity. 

     I became a grandmother for the first time last November and little Ethan is the new  love of my life.  He is now 18 months old and and running.  I don't get to see him as often as I would like because he lives out of state, but I make the most of my time with him when I can.  I value friendship, laughter, my faith and family. My years at Furneaux and all the children I have taught will remain with me always. 

      We settled in The Colony and had two more children bringing the total to 3 sons and one daughter.  My oldest son is married and a Capt. in the USAF. He and his wife, live in Washington state and have one son. Our other two sons live locally in the Carrollton area and our daughter attends the University of Texas in Arlington.       I began teaching in the district's after school program in 1999 and then became the Site Director at Furneaux for After The Bell Academy in 2001.  We became the pilot program for summer ATB and holiday care.  I enjoy working with children in all areas of education and the after school program is very special to me.