Glasscock School’s Capo honored by Rice Board of Trustees

The Rice Board of Trustees honored Karen Capo, director of the Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies’ School Literacy and Culture (SLC) program, at its Dec. 6 meeting. Capo was recognized for her outstanding performance and achievements supporting the community outreach and engagement elements of the university’s Vision for the Second Century, Second Decade (V2C2).

Karen Capo

As head of the SLC, which offers nationally recognized professional educational programs for teachers in early childhood development, Capo promotes effective teaching through rigorous professional educational initiatives that emphasize reading and writing, culture, child development and research.

“Karen is a skillful and dedicated staff member who possesses an expansive knowledge of early childhood development and works tirelessly in service to the Houston early childhood community,” wrote Robert Bruce, dean of the Glasscock School.

SLC’s mission is to support teachers, administrators and parents through education and mentoring and ensure that Houston-area students receive a high-quality early literacy education. This is made possible through sustaining partnerships Capo has established with organizations such as the Herman H. Fleishman Foundation, The Clayton Fund and the Powell Foundation.

In addition to established support, Capo’s contributions have resulted in other significant development opportunities in recent years, including a $1.5 million grant from Phillips 66 in support of its Early Literacy Leadership Academy and $500,000 from the Powell Foundation in support of the program.

“I am genuinely humbled to receive this award, but proud to accept it on behalf of our teams at School Literacy and Culture and the Glasscock School of Continuing Studies,” Capo said.

Over the last year SLC has made significant Hurricane Harvey relief efforts by  supporting and training teachers working with young children who experienced storm-related trauma. This year SLC will offer professional development training to over 3,000 teachers, which will impact over 58,000 students, Bruce said.

“She approaches her work with passion, dedication and a commitment to excellence,” Bruce wrote. “Karen is a thoughtful leader who is always striving to improve her work and the work of her department.”