Karen Anderson, principal at Prophetstown Elementary,
was born in Springfield, Missouri, to Phyllis and Jack Farnham. At the age of seven, her family moved to Tampico, Illinois, where her father worked as a teacher, coach, and later administrator in the Tampico schools.
Karen graduated from Tampico High School and earned a B.S. degree in elementary education from Augustana College. She was an elementary teacher at Annawan Elementary School in Annawan, Illinois, for nineteen years, teaching fourth, Title I reading, first, and fifth grade students. During that time she completed a M.S. in elementary education, reading endorsement, and administrative certification at Western Illinois University. Karen was employed by Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD #3 in 2003 and has enjoyed working with the staff, students, and families at Prophetstown Elementary.
Karen and her husband, Bob Garrett (deceased), have two children, Kim and Brad, and five grandchildren. She currently lives with her husband Ed and two stepsons, Cory and Nick, in Morrison, Illinois. She enjoys reading, playing the piano, and baking. Karen and Ed enjoy listening to music, bird-watching, taking walks, and traveling.
