Karma Haynes Ed.D.

I attribute my success to resilience, persistence, and a strong work ethic. These qualities were modeled for me early in life by my parents. My mother was an educator and middle school science teacher, and my father was a curator at the Virginia Beach Aquarium who also taught scuba diving in the evenings. Watching them balance demanding careers while remaining fully present for our family shaped the way I approach both my work and my life. I come from a long line of educators, and that legacy of dedication, resilience, and lifelong learning has guided me throughout my journey. That foundation continues to shape not only my work, but the way I lead and support others.

The best career advice I ever received came from a couple I met while working at a restaurant early in my career. The wife was an advocate for families of students with special needs and often supported them through court proceedings. I respected them both greatly, and during a time when I was considering a major career change, she shared a perspective that has stayed with me ever since. She explained that every major change in their lives had ultimately worked out for the better. Either they came to appreciate what they had more deeply, or the change opened doors to opportunities they would not have otherwise experienced. I reflected on that advice when I moved from Norfolk to Sacramento. While I did not enjoy my job there, the experience pushed me outside of my comfort zone. It broadened my perspective and introduced me to new people and ideas. Change can feel uncomfortable, but it is often where the most meaningful growth occurs. I remind my doctoral students of this often. Their ability to tolerate discomfort and uncertainty often enables them to persist, complete their doctorates, and grow as professionals.

Education is often viewed as a female-dominated field, yet it can still be complex to navigate. My advice is to take time to observe before stepping into leadership. Pay attention to the individuals who are thoughtful, kind, and respected in their work, and seek out opportunities to learn from them.

I am often drawn to educators who may not be the loudest voices in the room, but who approach their work with care and integrity. Ask them how they built their careers and what they have learned along the way. Take time to understand the culture around you, identify those who lead with consistency and professionalism, and allow their example to guide your own path.

One of the biggest challenges in education right now is the shortage of teachers. We need more individuals who are willing to enter the profession, but the demands of the job have grown significantly in recent years. Class sizes are larger, responsibilities have increased, and many teachers are feeling exhausted. A challenge I often see is the shortage of substitute teachers. When substitutes are not available, teachers are asked to cover additional classes, which means they lose planning periods and sometimes even lunch breaks. Over time, that loss of recovery time adds up, and many educators feel drained with very little opportunity to reset.

At the same time, student needs have become increasingly complex, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Even in early childhood settings, we are seeing more challenging behaviors and greater social-emotional needs among students. Teachers are working incredibly hard to meet those needs while also managing academic expectations and ensuring that instruction remains aligned with evidence-based practices. Balancing these demands requires both skill and sustained support.

Another factor is the level of preparation required to enter the field. Many teachers are expected to complete a master’s degree, which represents a significant investment of both time and money. Compared with other professions that require similar levels of education, the financial incentives are often much lower.

In my role as an instructional coach, I see firsthand how dedicated teachers are and how much they give to their students every day. I also see how critical it is for educators to have time, support, and mentorship in order to sustain that work over the long term.

Despite these challenges, education remains an incredibly meaningful profession. The opportunity lies in being more intentional about how we support teachers, strengthening mentorship, investing in leadership development, and creating environments where educators feel valued. With the right structures in place, there is real potential to retain strong teachers and continue improving outcomes for students.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are kindness, empathy, and acceptance of others. As an only child who later had three children of my own, I have always encouraged my children to be patient with one another and to extend grace, especially on difficult days. I try to help them find meaningful ways to show kindness in their everyday interactions.

It is one thing to be skilled in your profession. With time and effort, most people can develop strong professional abilities. What matters even more to me is how we treat others. In today’s world, if we are not intentionally choosing kindness and empathy, we risk missing opportunities to truly connect. These values guide everything I do, from how I work with teachers and doctoral students to how I raise my children.