Dr. Kareen Borders serves is the Executive Director, of West Sound STEM Network where she provides oversight of the regional STEM business plan, serves as PI on several STEM Education grants, and supports 17 school districts in STEM and CTE teacher professional learning. Dr. Borders works with regional school districts to communicate STEM legislative priorities and mandates, develops protocols for high-level communication, and cultivates key partnerships that result in sustainable support for major STEM and CTE workforce development initiatives.
Prior to joining West Sound STEM Network, Kareen worked for the United State Department of Education, where she served for 2 years as the Office of Communications and Outreach: Teaching Ambassador. In that role Kareen teamed with the Senior STEM Advisor to collaborate on STEM initiatives and briefs. She conducted analysis of and recommendations on Common Core State Standards/College and Career Readiness, STEM, CTE and the alignment of state assessment systems. Via speaking engagements, blogs, written communication, and legislative meetings Kareen communicated policy to administrative and teacher leaders, business leaders, parents, school boards, and universities, as well as local, state, & federal legislators.
Kareen taught middle school for 18 years and led professional development in Peninsula School District.
Dr. Borders holds a B.A. degree in Psychology and B.S. in Biology from University of California, Irvine. She earned a M.A. in Education from California Polytechnic State and her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Washington.