I was born in Pampa, Texas on October 1, 1951. I was named Charla Karen Trotter. My parents called me Karen. Until I was in ninth grade, I went to school in Mangum, OK. In ninth grade, I moved to Midwest City. I graduated from Midwest City High School in 1969, as a member of the National Honor Society.
From the time I was a child, I always wanted to be a teacher, I am the oldest of five children, and I loved to be with my younger brothers and sisters and teach them.
I was married to my husband of 35 years shortly after high school. We have two children, Steve and Sharla. My husband is a retired firefighter for Midwest City. My son is married to Kim and they have two children. My daughter is married to Charley Flowers, and they have two children. I love my grandkids.
I did not go to college until my children were in school. I then went to Rose State for two years and then to Central State in Edmond. I graduated in 1981 with honors (Summa Cum Lade). I also won the Max Chambers Award given to the top student in education every year.
I have taught here at James Griffith Intermediate for 22 years. I have always taught sixth grade. I have been honored as Teacher of the Year twice for JGI and Teacher of the Year once for the Choctaw/Nicoma Park School District. I love teaching. It is my dream come true. I love people, and my favorite people are children and elderly people. I enjoy working with and meeting new students and parents every year.