What subject(s) do you teach? I am the high school Carnegie unit teacher at Slidell Pathways. I monitor and support the instruction of my students in the core curriculum as well as teach elective subjects such as study skills; introduction to business; introduction to basic computer applications.

What is your favorite thing about the subject(s) you teach? The diversity of them. I cover so many different subject areas, that I never feel redundant or weary in covering their content.

Karen Paternostro

How long have you been a teacher?  Thirty years. I taught business education for 10 years in the Catholic schools in Orleans parish, and for the past 20 years, I have been in St Tammany Parish, with this being the 13th year that I am at Slidell Pathways.  I have been at Slidell Pathways since August of 1997, which is the year it opened its doors.

How has the profession of teaching changed since you started? The major change that I have seen is in the area of technology which now enables students to have a wealth of information and knowledge at their fingertips. 

Why did you become a teacher? I enjoyed my years in high school, so I wanted to continue interacting with adolescent youth and perhaps make a difference in their lives.

What is your favorite thing about teaching? Interacting with the students and building a relationship with them; and by doing so, I have had students from the past come back to visit me to let me know how they are doing and in turn want to know how I am.

Do you do anything special in the classroom to get through to your students? I give them the respect that they deserve which, in most cases, helps build a relationship of mutual respect. Once this is established, students will usually respond with greater effort and work ethics.

What is the hardest part of your job? Because I deal with a special population, it is difficult at times for me to get them to realize their abilities and talents because they have, in some instances, only felt failure.

Are you involved in any extra curricular activities at the school? No, Slidell Pathways is a special school campus and no extra curricular activities are offered here.

Do you utilize any special technology in the classroom? Yes, my students utilize computers in almost all of their instruction. This has been a major plus in keeping my students engaged and eliminating numerous behavior problems.

Have you received any grants to aid you in the classroom? No

What do you do during your summer vacations?   I take several beach trips with family and friends. I enjoy spending time with my children; especially my 12-year-old son since he is the only one still living at home. My other children (three daughters) no longer live at home. Two are in college and one is married.  I also take several beach trips with extended family and friends. 

Do you aspire to become a principal one day? Not definitely no, but probably not.

What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened while you were teaching?  I can’t say that I can actually think of any crazy moments; I must say, however, that I have many memories of sharing emotional moments, both happy and sad, with numerous students and various faculties, staffs and administrations.