In this month’s Leadership Spotlight, we are proud to highlight Karen Covil, science department chair at North Star High School in Lincoln, Nebraska. A passionate educator and leader, Karen was honored with the 2025 Robert E. Yager Exemplary Teaching Award from the National Science Teaching Association and recognized as a 2019 NSELA VESELS Scholar. Known for her commitment to mentoring the next generation of educators, Karen has served as a dedicated cooperating teacher for numerous pre-service science teachers. Her advice to emerging leaders: “Never be afraid to try something new or step outside of your comfort zone.”

What’s the best advice anyone has given you as a science leader?

The best advice I’ve ever received was: “Go into your classroom, shut the door, and enjoy every minute of working with your students.” This simple statement reminds me of my core responsibility—to give my best to students every day. No matter what else is happening, everything else comes second to that. On the most challenging days, I also recall the words of the late James Rynearson, a recipient of the 2005 Nebraska Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, who mentored me early in my career: “You get to work with kids every day. What can be better than that?” I carry this mindset with me each time I step into the classroom. I see it as both a responsibility and a privilege to work with students. In order to be fully present and engaged, I’ve learned to filter out the “noise” that often comes with the education system—so I can focus on what truly matters: the students in front of me.

What advice do you have for those pursuing science leadership?

I encourage aspiring leaders to seek out opportunities to serve, whether on school or district committees, or by attending professional development seminars and conferences that align with their passions and interests.  My best advice is: never be afraid to try something new or step outside of your comfort zone. Early in my career, I wasn’t always confident with public speaking or sharing my ideas openly with colleagues. But at some point, I decided to say yes when opportunities arose, even if I felt nervous or unsure.  Over time, these experiences helped me build the confidence to speak regularly in front of my science colleagues, lead professional development sessions within my district, and contribute my ideas in a wide variety of settings. You may not feel ready at first, but every new experience helps you learn and grow for the next challenge. And in education, it’s important that those of us with the skills and passion to lead step up and help shape positive change when needed. 

How do your hobbies outside of science leadership contribute to your professional life?

My hobbies help me maintain a healthy balance between my personal and professional responsibilities. As a teacher, and especially in a leadership role, it's essential to manage stress and workloads by making time for activities I enjoy outside of school. I find joy in gardening, working out at the local YMCA, and spending quality time with my children. These activities allow my mind to rest and recharge, which helps me return to work with renewed clarity and motivation. I’ve also found that this balance makes me more resilient in the face of challenges and better equipped to manage student behavior with patience and perspective.

Fill in the blank. I couldn’t be successful in science leadership without ____. Why?

Support. Support is essential in a science leadership role. Guidance from administrators, teaching colleagues, and mentors has played a critical part in my development as both an educator and a leader. The advice and feedback I’ve received over the years have been invaluable in helping me strengthen my instructional practices and leadership abilities. Without a strong support system, it becomes challenging to identify areas for growth or to recognize and leverage your strengths to develop leadership qualities that encourage others to listen, collaborate, and grow alongside you.

How do you get to know your colleagues/students and build relationships with them? 

In my leadership role at North Star High School, I prioritize regular communication and connection with both my science colleagues and students. I frequently check in with teachers, offer support in their classrooms, and ensure they have the resources they need to teach effectively. I believe it’s essential to be approachable and maintain an “open door” policy, creating a space where colleagues feel comfortable coming to me with questions, concerns, or ideas. With students, I make an effort to learn about their interests and involvement in school activities, engaging them in conversations that build trust and rapport beyond the classroom.

Can you describe your current leadership role in your district?

I serve as the Science Department Chair at North Star High School, where I continue to find fulfillment in teaching, mentoring colleagues, and working with students. In addition to serving on several committees, I have been the lead teacher for high school-level science assessments for nearly ten years with the Lincoln Public Schools.

Tell me about your background in science education before your current role (teaching, degrees, etc.)

My journey began in 1999 when I earned a B.S. in Agricultural Sciences (horticulture) from the University of Nebraska. I went on to pursue an M.S. in Plant Pathology at North Carolina State University, where I served as a graduate teaching assistant. It was during that time that I discovered my passion for education and the joy of supporting students in their learning.  In 2010, I returned to school to complete a post-baccalaureate teaching certificate in secondary science education and an M.S. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education from the University of Nebraska. That decision launched my career in science education.  For the past 14 years, I have taught physics and astronomy at North Star High School, part of Lincoln Public Schools in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

What has been a success of your leadership in your district that you are proud of? What are you most proud of?

I am proud of the leadership that Lincoln Public Schools has demonstrated in implementing the NGSS standards for both classroom instruction and district-wide assessment. Science educators across our district have worked diligently to center instruction around the three-dimensional aspects of NGSS and to support sensemaking for all students. I'm especially proud of our efforts to develop NGSS-aligned, 3D assessments that more authentically measure student learning and make students’ thinking visible—with a strong focus on equity and accessibility. Recently, our district has taken a bold and commendable step by prioritizing student feedback and voice in science instruction and assessment. We are actively engaging high school students in conversations about their classroom experiences and using their input to inform the design of instructional materials and assessments.

What has been a challenge for you as a leader?

Teaching shortages and educator burnout have been two of the most significant challenges I’ve faced as a leader, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic-related school shutdowns. Staffing shortages have resulted in increased course preps and larger class sizes for my science colleagues, which has added to the strain of an already demanding profession. At the same time, teachers have had to help students re-adjust to in-person learning after a significant time of remote instruction. The emotional and instructional toll has been considerable.  As department chair, I’ve worked hard to reduce teaching loads and alleviate stress wherever possible.   Leadership during these times has meant being responsive and thinking outside of the box to deal with staffing shortages.

Who are some of the leaders in education who have inspired you and how have they inspired you?  

In the spring of 2025, I was honored to receive the Robert E. Yager Exemplary Teaching Award, established through a charitable trust in memory of Dr. Yager. Since receiving the award, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with several individuals who knew Dr. Yager personally, and I’ve been especially inspired by his work to transform science education into more hands-on, engaging experiences for students, as well as his contributions to improving teacher preparation programs.  Dr. Yager strongly emphasized the importance of ongoing professional development throughout a teaching career as a means to continually enhance the educational experiences we provide to students. His vision deeply resonates with me, and it reflects the kind of teacher and leader I strive to be—committed to growth, innovation, and meaningful student learning.

As a lifelong learner, what are you most interested in learning more about?

As an astronomy teacher, I genuinely love learning more about space and contemplating what might exist in the far reaches of the universe. This passion not only fuels my own curiosity—it also creates meaningful opportunities to connect with students. I enjoy having conversations with them about the mysteries of space and hearing their thoughts, questions, and ideas. It's important for students to see that I’m just as curious as they are, and that I, too, have questions still waiting to be answered. That shared sense of wonder fosters a learning environment where exploration, imagination, and scientific inquiry are at the heart of what we do.