Every Friday at 11 a.m., the school’s student-broadcast show, Falcon Vision, goes on air. However, behind this spectacle of snippets and segments lies the guiding hand of adviser Kara Adler. Adler works with Falcon Vision staff, teaching the fundamentals from video and audio editing to cinematography techniques. As the 2024-2025 school year turned the corner, Adler enthusiastically took on a new role as Journalism I teacher and Falconer adviser. 

Adler started at the school four years ago in the fall of 2021. Since then, she has taught Video Film I, TV Production, Advanced Video Film, Journalism I and is also the adviser for Falcon Vision and the Falconer. In these past few years, she has had the opportunity to “really develop the video film curriculum and build up Falcon Vision before taking on the Falconer and Journalism I.”

Since her arrival at the school, one of Adler’s favorite memories was getting the new Falcon Vision studio installed.

“I think it showed my students and myself that this school really cares about the program and was willing to invest substantial amounts of money into it because they believed in it,” Adler said. “So that was really special. And it was just awesome to see how much it impacted my students [and] how much they appreciated it.”

Co-executive Falcon Vision producer, Vincent McKeever (12) agreed. 

“[Adler] changed [Falcon Vision] from something that didn’t really seem serious at all, to a very serious program,” McKeever said. “We got this whole new studio that I think was around $20,000, and just off that purchase alone… shows that the Foundation has trust in her professionalism and the seriousness of this program. And that’s really expanded just how serious Falcon Vision is and how amazing she has made it.”

Adler’s progress is backed by her academic credentials as well as experience. Adler began exploring her career in college, having graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. Three years later, she obtained her masters in education from Southern Methodist University, graduating in May of 2020. After receiving her masters, Adler lived in Dallas, Texas, and she taught at Lovejoy High School for two years. 

“If I could get paid to be a student, I would 1000% be in school forever,” Adler said. “… I love learning and learning new things.”

Since her teaching journey began, Adler has appreciated being able to get to know her students year after year. She also enjoys seeing them grow, and hopes to hold lifelong relationships with her students.

“Building good relationships with the students is something that I love about what I do,” Adler said.

While assisting students with their academic journeys, Adler also hopes for her classroom to be a place where students can feel comfortable in their own skin. 

“I hope that when students come to my class, it’s something they’re really passionate about,” Adler said. “So they’re dedicated to it, but also, hopefully a stress free environment where they can just be themselves, and they don’t have to worry about the outside pressures and everything else going on in their high school life, or life outside of school.”

Not only has she left her mark on the Falcon Vision community in her time as an adviser, but she has also made waves in her short time working with her Falconnerds in the newsroom. From editing scripts for broadcast to editing articles for publishing, Adler utilizes her experience in both forms of journalism to the fullest.

“With much changing, she has been a constant source of new information that I am able to go to if I am ever in need of advice on how to follow through with something Falconer-related,” Falconer Asst. Editor-in-Chief of Workflow, Liv Weaver (12) said.

A few years ago, former Falconer adviser Mia Smith approached Adler, asking if she would potentially be interested in taking over the paper. When it became a reality, Adler was “really excited.” This year also brought substantial change as the Falconer transitioned to an online publication. 

“I think it’s cool that we get to try something different with it being online, and that being a new challenge and just keeping the same high caliber content,” Adler said.

Outside of the classroom, Adler enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, finding time to explore the outdoors, trying new brunch spots, playing soccer in the backyard or reading a good murder mystery novel. With a love for exercising and running, Adler competed in the New York Marathon last year and has run six half marathons. Adler and her husband will also be expecting their second daughter in February. 

Looking to the future, Adler is excited to continue to foster long-term relationships with students and to help them continue to grow. 

“I think I have the unique position of being able to teach students for so many years in a row, which I think is awesome,” Adler said. “I don’t think a lot of other teachers have that opportunity … And I think that’s a really special opportunity to get to know students well, to get to know what their goals are, what they want to achieve; just who they are as a person and what makes them tick.”

In the few years she’s been at the school, Adler’s students already feel the impact she’s had in the classroom. 

“Falcon Vision wouldn’t be the same without Adler,” McKeever said. “She really transformed the program into something very amazing.”