Younk, Karina

Pronouns

She/Her/Hers


Job Title

Retired educator and school administrator


Workplace

Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools


EDST Degree/s and graduation year/s

EdD 2019; MA 2003; Diploma 2007


Concentration

Educational Studies – General – Activity Theory and BC competencies curriculum


Residence

Nanaimo, BC, Canada


Karina Younk completed her Doctorate of Education in 2019 while working full-time as an elementary school educator and administrator. In her collaborative research with 12 educational leaders, the group co-constructed their understandings of how the competencies focus of BC’s curriculum was shifting teaching, learning, and assessment practices. In her 38-year career in education, Karina worked as a teacher and administrator in K-12 French Immersion, English, Gifted and Special Education. She was involved in many collaborative school and district projects designed to support learners and their families. One example was a leading the implementation of a Universal Designs for Learning (UDL) project with Special Education Technology (SET-BC). Karina also worked as an author (Arrimage and Thoughtsteps) and as a consultant with Art Image Publications/Éditions Beauchemin presenting to educators across Canada and the United States. While completing her M.A. at McGill, she was invited to be a sessional lecturer with students in their final semester of the education program. Later, she taught a Special Education course to diploma students at Vancouver Island University. Inspired by opportunities to engage with colleagues, families, students, and community partners, Karina enjoys working with others to expand collective learning cultures of trust, curiosity, innovation, and risk-taking. Having retired from her district in 2020, Karina now has more time for other interests like volunteering with BC Marine Trails, home renovations, travel, learning Spanish, and leading a more active lifestyle with ocean swimming, hiking, cycling, skiing, and excursion kayaking. Karina especially enjoys having more time to spend with family and friends.