My name is Karen Riner.  I work as the assistant principal at Van Pelt Elementary School.  I also work part-time as the instructor for the Éclat students in our school system.  I hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a certification in Elementary Education from the State University of New York College at Potsdam.  I also hold a Master of Education Degree in Counselor Education from the University of Virginia and an Education Specialist Degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Currently, I am working on my Doctor of Education Degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

        I began my teaching career in 1978 as a kindergarten teacher in Russell County, Virginia.  Since then I have taught at the elementary and middle school levels both as a classroom teacher and as a special education instructor.  Upon completion of my counseling degree, I accepted a position with the Bristol Virginia Public Schools and have served as a school counselor at the elementary and middle school levels for fifteen years. In august of 2006, I came to Van Pelt Elementary School where I serve as Assistant Principal and Instructor of the Eclat program.

    My hobbies include reading, knitting, sewing, gardening, traveling and taking long walks. I can be reached at Van Pelt at 821-5776 or by email at kriner@bvps.org.