Mrs. Figs - Inspiring, Problem-Solving, and Student-Centered Leadership

Mrs. Karolina Figlesthaler, an Upper School Mathematics teacher at The Village School of Naples, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the classroom. Her journey in education began in New England, where she moved after immigrating from Germany and Poland. Growing up in the rigorous educational system of Lexington, MA, she developed a deep love for mathematics. Although her strong academic background led her to pursue a career in Finance, including a Master's in Finance during the Great Recession, Mrs. Figlesthaler realized that her true passion lay in shaping the future by working with children. This realization led her to earn her Mathematics 6-12 certification in Florida and pursue her dream of teaching.

Mrs. Figlesthaler has always loved Mathematics. She is dedicated to helping her students understand that math is not just about numbers but about problem-solving, critical thinking, and perseverance. Her teaching philosophy centers around the idea of "Grace before grades," maintaining a balance between rigor and flexibility. She strives to provide structured learning experiences while remaining adaptable to the unique needs of each student.

To engage and inspire her students, Mrs. Figlesthaler uses a variety of instructional strategies. She breaks her class sessions into segments, utilizing 1:1 homework checks, warm-ups at the board, and pre-printed notes for mini-lessons that follow the "I do: we do: you do" approach. Her students also participate in graphing calculator labs, and she ensures that there is time for students to start homework in class, providing extra help when needed. Additionally, she creates video lessons that students can access through our parent/student portal, MyTVS, offering differentiated instruction for those who need more time and multiple rounds of exposure to the material.

Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Figlesthaler is an active member of the school community. She participates in various events such as the College Fair and Upper School activities and attends student games and events to support her students outside of academics. She also provides individualized and small group support whenever it’s needed. In addition, Karolina founded two mathematics clubs last year, Mu Alpha Theta and MAA, which she continues to develop to further enrich her students’ learning experiences.

Outside of teaching, Mrs. Figlesthaler’s family is her top priority. As a devoted mother, her personal life centers around her family, and her experience as a parent and educator gives her a unique understanding of child development from infancy through adolescence. This understanding helps her connect with her students on a deeper level, ensuring that she meets their individual needs with empathy and care.

One of Mrs. Figlesthaler’s most rewarding experiences is seeing her students have “aha” moments, where they finally grasp a challenging concept. Whether it's helping a student find joy in mathematics or watching someone who struggled develop confidence and success, these daily moments are what drive her as an educator. Many of her former students have even returned to express how much they miss her classes, a testament to her impact on their lives.

For Mrs. Figlesthaler, student success is not just measured by academic performance but by the growth of essential life skills. She strives to instill in her students the importance of hard work, resilience, and the ability to balance responsibilities. Above all, she hopes her students leave her classroom with an appreciation for mathematics and the confidence to tackle challenges in their lives.

Looking ahead, Mrs. Figlesthaler is excited about the future of education at TVS. She believes in the power of project-based learning and is passionate about preparing students to think critically and solve real-world problems. In the coming years, she plans to pursue additional professional development, not just in mathematics, but to earn a PhD focused on differentiating instruction.

For Mrs. Figlesthaler, teaching at The Village School is not just a career—it’s a calling. She feels blessed to work with the incredible students at TVS. She is committed to helping them become capable, compassionate, and resilient individuals ready to take on the challenges of the future.

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