Lamar School is excited to welcome Karina Schuurman to the high school faculty, where she will be teaching Spanish I and II this year. With a background in early childhood education and a deep love for language and culture, Señora Schuurman brings a warm and enthusiastic spirit to the classroom.

Karina and her husband, Jeff, moved to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 2021. “We had been working in the DR for many years, and when Jeff was offered a teaching position at EMCC here in Mississippi, we knew it was an opportunity worth considering,” she shared. His parents had been living in Meridian for over 20 years, and the move brought them closer to family. As it turns out, the Schuurmans already had a connection to Lamar—Jeff previously served as a substitute teacher here in the early 2000s.

Joining the high school faculty is a new adventure for Karina—and one she’s ready to embrace. “It’s a new challenge for me, but I like challenges,” she said with a smile. “I’m excited to get involved with the community and learn alongside my students. I believe something really good can come of it.”

In her Spanish I and II classes, Señora Schuurman hopes students will find both confidence and joy in learning a new language. “I want them to feel comfortable. I hope they enjoy it, and that they learn enough to communicate basic things,” she explained. Her goal is for students to see Spanish not just as a subject, but as a valuable tool for connection.

When she’s not teaching, Karina enjoys reading—especially mystery novels—crafting, and spending time with her family. She also loves sharing her Dominican culture, especially through food. Her favorite dessert? Flan. “It’s similar to crème brûlée,” she said, “and always a favorite.” She also recommends a traditional Dominican meal called La Bandera—a hearty plate of rice, beans, and meat—aptly named “The Flag” because it represents the nation’s colors and culture.

When asked to share her favorite Spanish phrase, she laughed and replied, “Ay, que tú sabes,” a familiar expression from the Dominican Republic that loosely translates to “Come on, you already know”—a phrase full of charm, attitude, and affection.

Please help us welcome Señora Schuurman to the Lamar family.