We’re thrilled to share some exciting news: Karen Pionke has joined Gitelman & Good Publishers as our Education Programs Manager.
Karen is no stranger to the world of theatre education. Her journey began on stage in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, before moving behind the scenes to devote her career to teaching, directing, and building thriving theatre programs. Over the course of her career, Karen directed and produced more than 120 productions, including two that were selected to perform on the International Junior Thespian stage. She built a nationally recognized middle school theatre program in Illinois, served on the National Board of the Educational Theatre Association, and worked with the Illinois State Board of Education on theatre curriculum and test development. Along the way, she was also nominated for the Golden Apple Award in Teaching.
What excites us most is how Karen’s experience aligns with our mission. At Gitelman & Good, we believe plays should inspire students and support teachers in meaningful ways. Karen knows firsthand the challenges and joys of leading a theatre classroom, and she’ll be using that knowledge to shape our educational resources, curriculum guides, and professional development offerings.
In Karen’s own words:
“As Education Programs Manager at Gitelman & Good, I’m excited to draw on my experience to make sure our plays and resources are not only accessible but also truly meaningful for teachers and students. My goal is to make your journey with Gitelman & Good enjoyable, supportive, and beneficial.”
Please join us in welcoming Karen to the team! We can’t wait for you to see the impact of her work in the months ahead.