Ward, a recent finalist for Fresno Unified’ s Excellence in Education awards, has taught students needing special education services for six years at Sequoia Middle School, with one year at Roosevelt High School.

“ My students – that’ s what happiness is every day,” Ward said.“ I love to see them progress, but I also love connecting with them, just to get to know them as people, establish that relationship of trust.”

Because many of her students lack social skills, she worried that some would have no one to eat with, so she invited them to return to her classroom at lunch. Sometimes as many as 25 students and staff gather in her room.

“ This allowed me to connect with them on a different level,” Ward said.

“ It’ s easy to come to work knowing you have this team to back you up,” Ward said.

Her home life is busy as well. Along with her six biological children, she and her husband at the time adopted four siblings in 2011. Life outside work is mostly spent with her own large family as well as her siblings, which include brothers Matt and Jeremy Ward, both administrators in Fresno Unified.

Ward loves to travel, with plans to visit three national parks over the spring break, adding to the 12 she has already visited.

Her favorite adventure, however, is seeing what her students can accomplish.

“ Never a day goes by when you say,‘ I got it all done,’” Ward said.“ I’ ve found my spot. There’ s so much work to be done here.”

It’ s just part of the daily routine now. She has a movie going that has been voted on by her students, but students are also on their laptops and socializing.

“ I LOVE THAT THEY KNOW THEY HAVE A PLACE WHERE THEY CAN RELAX AND BE THEMSELVES. I FEEL LIKE I GET AS MUCH OUT OF IT AS THEY DO,” WARD SAID.

Ashley Trippel, Sequoia’ s school psychologist, said Ward’ s classroom is a sanctuary“ where students can be their authentic selves.”

Kari Ward, a teacher at Sequoia Middle School, works with seventh-grader Jermiah Creggett.

“ By opening her room at lunch, Kari creates a safe haven for those who might otherwise feel isolated. Her kindness fosters an environment where students can express their individuality and quirks without fear of judgment.”

Trippel also said Ward excels at the extensive paperwork involved in providing special education services, such as Individualized Education Program reports. She said her data-driven approach helps target instruction to support students, and she provides invaluable guidance as she co-teaches with regular education colleagues.

Ward credits the talent, dedication and“ collaborative spirit” of those she works with at Sequoia as the reason she can succeed with students.

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