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Karen Balian, Grade 5 teacher at McLean School, smiles at the camera with family

Grade 5Karen Balian

My Story

McLean School is like home away from home for me. Born in New Zealand, I have always had an appreciation for whole-child teaching and learning. I came to the US in 2001 on a teacher exchange program where I taught in Virginia Public Schools. I eventually found my way to McLean where I discovered student-centered education did exist here after all! My time at McLean has been split between Lower and Middle School, initially teaching grades 3 and 4 for nine years. I spent seven years at another independent school in the DC area before returning to the Middle School to teach grade 5, where I have been since 2019. Outside of school, I love to stay connected to my family in New Zealand, to keep up with my two teenage children and our collection of animals, and make time for quiet in the chaos of daily life!