Buncombe County Schools (BCS) employs thousands of extraordinary staff all across the district. BCS takes pride in recruiting the best in order to inspire, educate, encourage and elevate students on a daily basis. BCS has extraordinary educators, and this Staff Spotlight focuses on one who not only pours her heart into her students, but also her country.
Karina Padilla teaches third grade at Candler Elementary School (CES). On any given school day, she helps shape students to be independent thinkers, caring citizens, and the best version of themselves they can be. It’s a career path that she didn’t dream was possible, but is now thriving daily at.
“I never dreamed of being a teacher, because school was difficult for me,” she said. “Now I am in one of the few professions that requires muscles, brains, and so much heart. I made the choice then to pursue a degree in education to help kids.”
Not only does Ms. Padilla help the children of CES, but she also serves the United States of America in the National Guard. For 18 years she has devoted countless hours to helping those in the states and overseas in Kuwait and Iraq. Ms. Padilla has a heart for serving those from young minds to complete strangers.
“The military gave me the ability to serve our country and others, while also providing me with a career I could be passionate about,” she said. “Becoming a successful teacher and Soldier stems from dedication to others.”
CES is proud to have a hero like her on staff to be an inspiration to students; even more, she never stops or slows down.
“Ms. Padilla is a little ball of fire,” said Principal Charlotte Clubb. “Students in her classroom are highly engaged, regardless of the task. She is always willing to share her experiences with older students, and has mentored students interested in joining the military.”
When asked what she hopes her students gleam from her, the answer was simple.
“Through my work as a teacher and National Guard member, I hope students learn the importance of supporting others on a global scale,” she said.
It’s clear to see that Ms. Padilla brings a wealth of experiences and a lot of love to her classroom each and every day.
“I am honored to be part of a community and county that has so many resources and programs in place to open doors for all children,” she said. “Above all I am honored to work alongside educators and staff members who, like me, are doing our best to help our students. I want every child to know that they can do the unthinkable, and can make a difference for others.”
Ms. Padilla was the 2021 Ruth Henderson Award recipient for BCS.
