My name is Karen Hunter. I am an experienced physics educator who enjoys helping students discover physics through hands-on experiments. I find physics to be fascinating, and I try to inspire my students to understand and appreciate the physics all around them. I am intrigued with the learning process and constantly striving to plan learning experiences that are effective at helping students construct conceptual understanding, build problem-solving skills, connect their learning to real-life, and practice the scientific process.

My undergraduate work was done at Biola University and California State University, Fullerton. I earned a B.S in Physics, with a minor in mathematics, graduating from CSUF with highest honors and receiving the Faculty Award for Scholarship in Physics. While at CSUF I also worked as a research assistant in the Physics Department, co-authored a paper published in a physics journal, and completed the Single Subject Credential Program in Physical Science.  Since moving to Oregon I have earned a M.S. in Teaching Science from Portland State University.

I taught in high schools for seven years, including two years at Catlin Gabel’s upper school here in Portland, from which I resigned to be home with our young children. During those years, I taught physical science, college-preparatory physics, and calculus-based advanced placement (AP) physics as well as chemistry. In 2014, I began teaching the Physics by Discovery class for high school homeschool students and am excited to be continuing to offer this class this year!

I was recognized by USC for “Outstanding Contributions to the Advancement of Science and Mathematics Education” and received an Award of Excellence from UC San Diego “in honor of your extraordinary accomplishments as a high school teacher, inspiring your students to succeed academically and personally.”

Over the years, I have continued to grow as an educator through reading, curriculum development, lab development, and engagement with other physics teachers.  I recently served a three year term as Secretary for the Oregon section of the American Association of Physics Teachers, and I learned a tremendous amount through attending meetings and workshops and presenting to the group, and continue my involvement as a member.   I have been a member  of the American Modeling Teachers Association and have been trained in Investigative Science Learning Environments. I continue to be interested in the on-going research about teaching and learning physics and work to incorporate best practices into my teaching.

I am an active member of Cedar Mill Bible Church, where I enjoy teaching first graders. I also enjoy music, and play piano, viola, and classical guitar.  Another hobby is gardening, especially flowers and espaliered apple trees.

Student testimonials –

“I just wanted to tell you that you did an awesome job of preparing us AP Physics kids for college physics. Because we went through the material so thoroughly, I don’t even need to go to class or discussion section. Right now, I have a 92.5% average in the class; the average grade, a B, is about 65%.” – student at Cerritos High School, went to Stanford University

“I want to thank you for believing in me and giving me the encouragement I need to succeed in physics.” – student at Cerritos, went to UC Berkeley

Parent testimonial –

“I had to let you know that (my daughter) is taking another year of physics at Notre Dame. She just got the only perfect paper in her class – thanks to her notes from her summer with you. Thank you very much, from both of us.” – parent of a student to whom I taught a whole year of physics during the summer before she entered Notre Dame.