Kari Seashore, an educator from Lake Oswego, Oregon, has garnered national acclaim for her innovative approach to teaching math and her impact on student achievement.
As one of 29 selected educators in Curriculum Associates’ 2025 class of Extraordinary Educators, Seashore is recognized for her contributions to enhancing educational experiences during a period where math and reading proficiency is critical.
Selected from a pool of hundreds of nominees across the country, Seashore represents the high caliber of teaching and dedication present in local schools.
With 18 years of experience in education, Seashore’s journey began in the David Douglas School District in East Portland.
After joining Lake Oswego School District, she transitioned from teaching second and third grades to becoming a student support specialist, and eventually took on the role of instructional coach.
In the past two years, she has served as a math development specialist teacher on special assignment, collaborating with all principals and teachers across the district’s seven elementary schools.
Within this capacity, Seashore has conducted professional development sessions, carried out classroom visits, and co-taught lessons, significantly influencing the district’s teaching practices.
Her efforts to revamp Lake Oswego’s elementary math curriculum have gained recognition, showcasing a shift away from traditional math instruction.
Seashore describes the new curriculum approach as a “pendulum swing,” focusing on making math accessible to every student and teacher, ensuring understanding of the logic behind mathematical concepts.
This initiative is particularly significant for Seashore, who reflects on her own educational background and acknowledges her previous discomfort with math.
“Growing up, I didn’t feel like I was a great mathematician,” she shared, emphasizing that true comprehension goes beyond mere algorithms and formulas.
Under her guidance, Lake Oswego has seen standardized math test passing rates that exceed statewide averages by more than double.
The implementation of the new curriculum has already resulted in notable improvements, with students exhibiting increased confidence and a strong grasp of foundational skills essential for their ongoing math education.
“We’ve really tried to build this culture around their mindset of like, ‘Yes, we can do math, and there are multiple ways to do it,’ ” Seashore stated.
Her philosophy centers on celebrating students’ pathways to solutions, rather than solely focusing on the correct answers, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
This recognition by Curriculum Associates opens up numerous opportunities for Seashore, such as collaborating closely with the company, providing feedback, writing blogs, and speaking at conferences.
Despite the accolades, Seashore remains humble, stating, “Teachers work so hard, and I think we’re kind of unseen heroes.”
Her drive to improve the educational landscape stems from a deep-rooted passion for supporting both students and teachers.
“When I came to Lake Oswego six years ago, the focus has always been on making math more equitable and creating a better experience for our students,” she emphasized.
Seashore’s commitment to enhancing the learning experience goes beyond personal recognition, as she is genuinely dedicated to helping others succeed in mathematics education.
Her recent honor serves as a satisfying reminder that her efforts to transform math education for students are not going unnoticed.
image source from：opb
