Dr. Karla McPherson Bester

Director, Program

She/Her

As Director, Program, Karla manages programmatic projects, delivers services, and designs professional learning to successfully improve teaching and learning and advance educational equity for and with our school system partners.

Karla's passion for education formally began as a Golden Apple Scholar.  She attended The University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, where she received both a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. 

Karla has over 20 years of experience as a teacher, academic coach, project manager, and technology specialist in both K-12 and Higher-Education school systems across the nation.  Karla has also been a mentor and instructional coach for parents, students, and educators worldwide.  She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Core4Parenting mentoring and coaching program.

Karla holds a Doctorate of Education in Training and Leadership Development, where she has provided professional development training and curriculum development for schools and organizations, including Urbana School District, Chicago Public Schools, BetterLesson, SEAM Plus LLC, University of Illinois, Pearson Publishing, Scootpad and more.  In addition, Karla has managed, co-authored, and developed educational materials throughout the United States.  She is certified as an Extreme Execution Coach and has organized training and projects for parents and educators nationwide. 

Karla has been described as an exemplary educator and illuminates a level of energy that motivates others to revisit their initial love for education.  Her innovative ideas and encouragement have sparked the learning light of many educators, parents, and students.