I’d like to introduce myself to the Jensen Beach Parent. My name is Karen Bayless and I am a Kindergarten teacher at Jensen Beach Elementary. I have been teaching kindergarten here since September 1988. I hold a degree in Early Childhood Education and am also ESOL endorsed. Prior to teaching Kindergarten, I was a pre-school teacher at the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches. I provided homebound instructional services for blind/visually impaired and handicapped children from birth to age three. My greatest joy in teaching is watching the children become actively engaged and excited about learning. The most fulfilling reward a teacher can have is when children complete the reading of their first book and realize that they can actually read on their own. Building the foundation for excitement about learning is one of the most important jobs in education. I am proud to be given the opportunity to provide this to young children.