photo by steed media service

Professor Karen Wheel-Carter has big plans for life after teaching. “I tell my students all the time that when I leave them and I retire I’m going to be a stand-up comedian and they [tell] me I shouldn’t,” jokes Atlanta Technical College’s 2007 Teacher of the Year.

As the department chair for paralegal studies at Atlanta Technical College, the nation’s number one-rated community college, Wheel-Carter has spent the past five years inspiring young minds. With a bachelor’s from Dennison University and law degree from Ohio State University, Wheel-Carter has made a tough job look easy. On top of coordinating the curriculum, faculty and advising 120 students, she also teaches five classes.

“We make a commitment that when we invite somebody into our family, we do what it takes to keep them healthy, safe and learning,” says Wheel-Carter of Atlanta Tech’s fortitude. “I think that is what makes us unique amongst technical colleges throughout Georgia.”

Wheel-Carter was voted Teacher of the Year by a panel of her peers and a separate review board of judges. Her remarkable passion for her job earned her the award and she is thankful to be thought of in such high regard. “It’s quite an honor because it’s not just me, but it’s my peers that I represent and that’s a privilege because I’m amongst a group of very talented folks,” she admits. “We have passion for what we do and you see that daily.”

The comedy stage can wait for now, Wheel-Carter’s heart is with her current job. - gavin philip godfrey

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