Karen Harrell and Karen Tabor are two pillars of both the English department and the high school! Harrell served as Tabor’s mentor teacher during Tabor’s first year at Carmel. As the years have progressed, the two now share not only a classroom but also a passion for their students and literature, along with a deep friendship.

Karen Tabor teaches the World Literature classes and the AP research class for the high school. She began her teaching journey by homeschooling her five daughters. During this time, Tabor discovered a love for teaching and began to consider it as a possibility once her daughters finished their schooling. Tabor homeschool her five daughters for a total of 19 years! She then worked to get her teaching license in North Carolina. Tabor student taught for South Meck and later applied to Carmel. She is now in her third year teaching for Carmel.

Tabor stated she “wanted to teach at a Christian school because [she] wanted to be free to talk about Jesus. There is so much in literature and in life that is impossible to teach without bringing in Jesus, the Bible and life with God.”

When Tabor is not teaching her seniors or reading great books, she goes on long walks and engages with the Lord through prayer and worship. She feels God’s presence with her while she walks. Tabor also finds His presence to be tangible while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. Tabor said, “I am passionate about trees I grew up outside; I have very few memories of being inside. I grew up in the country with a lot of time spent outdoors. They have a history; some of them have been here longer than we have. I wonder about what those trees have witnessed. They are just beautiful! I grew up on a plant nursery so from very early on the importance of plants and trees was instilled in me.”

Tabor’s love of the outdoors and the simple act of walking led her to her most recent adventure: a 70-mile walk in Scotland! Tabor, alongside her husband Jordan, her sister and brother-in-law, walked through the famous St. Cuthbert’s Way. She enjoyed traversing through this new place with her husband and sister. She created many stories along her journey, but her main story that she shared about her trip was when they were crossing the final few miles of their walk and almost got fully submerged in water due to the ocean’s tide.

Tabor loves traveling all over the world. Specifically, Tabor stated she loves to visit her daughters all across America. They have settled in Pennsylvania, Tennessee and South Carolina. She enjoyed the time she had while homeschooling them and loves keeping in touch  as they embark on different paths in their lives.

Tabor believes in the importance of paying attention, as she advises people to stop and pay attention to the life that is going on around them and turn their heads to God more often. She states, “I know our culture is so fast-paced and crazy and chaotic that it feels impossible to do these things, but by doing this, slowing down and paying attention, we can maintain our closeness with God and others.”

Tabor brings a light to the community at Carmel. Her class is enjoyed and admired by her students as it offers a peace-filled environment where students can thrive. Her posture towards life and God reflects in every lesson she does. Tabor’s contribution to the Carmel community is impactful beyond the classroom walls.

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Karen Harrell, the head of the English Department at Carmel, teaches three language arts courses! Harrell has taught AP literature for seven years and British Literature for her whole career; however, she is now also teaching the Honors American Literature for sophomores.

Harrell, originally from Hollywood, FL., enjoyed school growing up. Harrell has always had a desire to help those around her learn. She would go out of her way to help her fellow classmates with their class load and understanding. In pivotal final years of high school, Harrell had an instrumental conversation with her youth pastor at the time. Harrell stated, “I was considering maybe five different possibilities for careers and I talked to my youth pastor who asked ‘When you get in trouble at school what do you get in trouble for?’ I answered, ‘usually talking.’ He said ‘Okay are you goofing off or socializing?’ [Harrell replied] ‘Most of the time I was trying to help someone with their work.’ He asked about ‘what subjects I enjoyed and if  I had ever considered teaching?’ and ‘a light bulb went off.’”

Harrell prayed for clear direction in both her college decision and career direction. Harrell states that she “asked God to open and close doors as [she] considered what college to attend and whether [she] should pursue teaching.” With wisdom from those around her and clear direction from the Lord, Harrell attended Baptist University of America for her bachelors and then attended Liberty University for her Masters degree.

Before Harrell joined the Carmel community, she worked at Northside Christian Academy for 19 years. She decided to make a move after being invited by Sheila Nelson to tour the campus. She saw the classes, the campus and the culture that was produced at the school and decided to take the opportunity offered to her. She now enjoys “helping students polish their speaking and writing skills not only to prepare them for college but to be effective communicators of the gospel.” Harrell is in her 38th year of teaching. She enjoys both the literature-soaked classrooms, but also the “opportunity to invest into the lives of others as [she] was invested into by her mentors and teachers.”

When Harrell isn’t spending time investing in her students, she spends her time investing in ministries with her husband. She also enjoys spending time with her family, cherishing her two grandchildren. Harrell enjoys using her creativity for crafting, specifically scrapbooking memories for her family and friends. She also is an avid reader and primarily enjoys Victorian Literature and Shakespeare. Harrell has enjoyed various trips taken with her family, her favorite being Ireland due to its incredible beauty and historical significance.

Harrell’s life has been a testimony of the Lord’s faithfulness. She reflects that her devotions and dedication to His word has been the foundation for her life and legacy in teaching. Proverbs 3:5-6 is Harrell’s life verse as it states, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” She reflects on the trustworthiness of the Lord reflected in this verse.

Harrell has invested in numerous graduating classes in her career in education and here at Carmel. Her students remark about her witty humor, attention to detail and intentionality in their success.  Harrell advises the student body to cherish the people in their life and to “work hard because nothing of value comes without hard work.”

Tabor states that “Harrell has been a mentor and a friend from day one. I’m not sure I would have made it through my first year at Carmel without her help and encouragement! [Karen] is patient, kind, and has a great sense of humor. I am honored to share a name and a classroom with her!”