Fresno, CA – Karen Balske Tobin is being recognized by Continental Who’s Who as a Top Professional for her decades of experience as a Teacher and Resource Specialist.
With a career spanning decades and multiple industries, Mrs Tobin has a wide range of experience. Raised in a military family, Mrs. Tobin pursued a career in the Army after graduating from State University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts in History degree. In the Army, Mrs. Tobin had a direct commission as Second Lieutenant. She was selected to attend the United States Women’s Army Corps School at Fort McClellan. She served on active duty for two years, then transferred to the United States Army Reserves.
To receive an education, she attended State University in 1971, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in History degree. She next earned her Master’s degree in Language Arts and Educational Administration in 1973.
Mrs. Tobin began teaching in Fresno, CA in 1980 at the Orange Center, West Center, and Tranquility High. Inspired by her deaf daughter, she began teaching as a Resource Specialist for Clovis Unified School District in 1984, retiring in 2014 after three decades of service.
In 2014, Mrs. Tobin joined the American Legion Post 147 and District 14. She records and photographs group activities, compiles binders of official historical records, and reports the news to American Legion members.
Awards for Mrs. Tobin’s long career include a Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Teacher of Special Education Students in Fresno County in 1982, CANHC Award for Special Education Service at Clovis West in 1985, California State Binder Competition in 2016, the American Legion Historian Book Contest in 2016, and the American Legion Historian Book Contest in 2016, and the American Legion Cecil Cox Post #147 Legionnaire of the Year in 2017.
Mrs. Tobin is currently enjoying retirement. In her spare time, she remains active at the American Legion, volunteers with Toys for Tots, rodeo groups, and US Marine Corps veteran benefit projects. She loves to play clarinet and spend time with her husband, daughter, and two grandchildren.
