Karen Mannino has been an art educator in New Jersey for over twelve years. She graduated with honors from Rowan University in 2005, with a Bachelor’s of Art in Fine Arts, with Certification to Teach Art (K-12). In 2012, she maintained a 4.0 GPA as she earned a Master’s Degree in the Art of Teaching and Learning from Nova Southeastern University. She is currently enrolled in Kean University’s Master of Arts in Art Education Program, with the Supervision Certification option.
In 2006, Karen began teaching Art at Walter O. Krumbiegel Middle School in Hillside, New Jersey. During her tenure, Karen established the Art Club and Girls’ Soccer team at W.O.K., and coordinated the initial trip to the Union County Teen Arts Festival in 2007. Karen has served as a soccer coach for the middle and high school teams, Art Club Advisor, and assistant softball coach at Hillside High School. In May 2014, she lost her teaching position due to a Reduction in Force. From September 2014 through June 2016, she taught Painting and Introduction to Art at William L. Dickinson High School in Jersey City. Most recently, Karen has returned to Hillside, where she teaches Art to 5thand 6thgrade students, and coaches girls’ soccer at the high school.
In 2015, Karen volunteered for the position of State Youth Art Month Co-Chair. Along with Jennifer Johnson, Karen helped coordinate the New Jersey Youth Art Month Exhibit and Reception in Trenton. For the past two years, Karen has continued to serve as NJ State Youth Art Month Co-Chair, alongside Kristy Lopez. Karen’s past honors include the 2015 – 2016 and 2016 – 2017 Youth Art Month (YAM) Council For Art Education (CFAE) Award of Excellence; as well as being named the 2016 Art Educators of New Jersey (AENJ) Teacher of the Year (Secondary Division).
