After more than two decades in education, Karen Lowther’s name is spoken with love, laughter, and admiration within the halls of Highland Park Elementary. Recently retired from Plugerville Independent School District (ISD), Karen’s story is one of unwavering dedication, humor, passion, and the kind of presence that leaves a lasting imprint—not just in a classroom, but in a school community.
From Austin ISD to Highland Park: A Lifelong Educator
Karen’s teaching journey began in 1991 at Widen Elementary in Austin ISD. During those early years, she taught fourth grade, and then second through fifth at Parmer Lane Elementary. Her enthusiasm was evident early on – giving, in her words, “150 percent,” which she believed was the minimum every teacher should strive for. But in 1998, she decided to step away from the classroom to raise her son, born the previous year.
“I wanted to give that same effort to my own children,” she reflects. “And I just couldn’t split myself the way I wanted to.”
Karen stayed home for several years, wrote freelance, and raised her family. Then in 2013, when her youngest daughter entered school, the calling to teach returned. That’s when she joined Highland Park Elementary – and never looked back.
Karen’s Zeal Driven by Her Belief in Gifted Children
It wasn’t just a job for Karen; it was a purpose. Highland Park Elementary, a Title I school with consistently strong TEA ratings, quickly became her second family.
“It’s the everyday pulse with the kids—that’s what drove me,” she expressed. “This school, the staff, the parents, the principal – it’s an amazing place. People call all the time asking how they can get their child into Highland Park. That says everything.”
Karen primarily taught second grade, but her impact extended far beyond. She led UIL chess puzzles, started a chess club, and was a fierce advocate for twice-exceptional (2E) students – those who are both gifted and facing challenges.
“I’ve always been passionate about making sure those square peg kids are seen and supported,” she shares. “Because sometimes giftedness hides behind other struggles.”
A Bittersweet Goodbye: Her Final Days in the Classroom
As her retirement approached, Karen knew it would be hard to say goodbye. But Highland Park made sure her exit was anything but quiet.
On the last day of school, tradition called for her to link arms with the principal and vice principal and lead the graduating fifth graders through the school halls. But what happened next was something she’ll never forget.
“My team printed 500 little photos of me and taped them to popsicle sticks. As I walked through, every kid in the hallway was waving my face and chanting ‘Ms. Lowther! Ms. Lowther!’ I couldn’t believe it—I totally stole the show from the fifth graders!” she laughs.
And then there was the now legendary TikTok video: a parody tribute with one teacher lip-syncing to Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” teachers spilling out of their classrooms, and a final “retirement happy hour” in the library where everyone wore black – mourning the end of Karen’s classroom career.
As Karen packed up her classroom with her daughter, she filmed a slow pan of the empty room set to Green Day’s “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life).” The video brought tears – and closure.
A Personal Touch: A Chess Game to Remember
One of her most touching moments came on the last day of school when she finally kept a promise to a student.
“There was this boy who always wanted to be in the chess club, but he couldn’t because he was a bus rider, and his mom couldn’t pick him up. Every year he tried. So, I told his teacher, ‘On the last day, when my class is at specials, I’m pulling him out. We’re playing chess—just him and me.’”
“He beat me, of course,” she says, smiling. “But it meant the world to him that I remembered.”
The Next Chapter: Lowe’s, Libraries, and Travel
Karen didn’t ride off into the sunset just yet. She picked up a weekend job at Lowe’s during the summer – and ended up working every day of the week during her final school year. Now, she’s finally slowing down (a little), with plans to keep her part-time job, volunteering once a week in the Highland Park library, and travel – starting with a trip to Oregon to celebrate her nephew’s high school graduation.
And Highland Park isn’t rid of her just yet.
“I told the librarian I’ll be back to help shelve books, and I’ll only substitute teach here – nowhere else,” she insists. “This place is home.”
Karen also made sure her students and their families could stay in touch. In her farewell letter, she gave out her personal email and phone number, saying, “With your permission, your kids can text me.” The messages haven’t stopped since.
Legacy of Love and Laughter
Karen Lowther’s retirement may have marked the end of her full-time teaching days, but her impact will echo through Highland Park Elementary for years to come. She is more than an educator; she’s a mentor, a matron, an advocate, and a friend.
As her colleagues so fittingly put it: “You’re the mama of this school. Everybody requests you. Everybody loves you.”
For Karen, the love is mutual.
