The Watertown Unified School District is proud to announce that Karla Mullen, a graduate of the Watertown High School Class of 1960, has been named the WUSD Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient for 2024.
Education has been the hallmark of Karla (Johnsen) Mullen’s impressive career, and her love of learning and teaching is evident in all she does through her family, and her outstanding contributions to the Watertown community.
Mullen holds both a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Education degree from Carroll University. She proudly taught at her alma mater Watertown High School (WHS) for nearly 20 years. She earned many awards for her work in education including the Darcey Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award, the Lawrence University Outstanding Teaching in Wisconsin Award, the 2000 Governor’s Humanities Award, and the WCTELA (Wisconsin Council of Teachers of English Language Arts) Lucile Pooley Award. Mullen was also recognized as a Kohl Foundation Fellow for her excellence in teaching. Additionally, in 1999, Mullen earned her certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards – this is among the most respected professional certifications available in education.
As a teacher at WHS, Mullen connected with and inspired many students through her innovative teaching style. She also mentored many young teachers, helping them develop a strong sense of confidence and their own unique instructional strategies. These efforts made a positive impact in the daily lives of WHS staff and students. Mullen also played a key role in the establishment of the symbolic International Peace Garden at the present-day WHS campus, which provides a beautiful welcome to all who visit the school.
Following her retirement in 2002, Mullen helped design and pilot the WUSD teacher mentoring program. She served on the Board of Governance for Endeavor Charter School, and continued volunteering her time to aid students in the district. In addition, she provided consulting services to other school districts by supporting new teachers, facilitating the development of high-quality curriculum, and mentoring educators seeking National Board certification.
Whereas as many of her peers left Watertown to find their success elsewhere, Mullen chose to make Watertown her home. She has quietly contributed to the community in a variety of ways. She and her husband, Bill Mullen, ran the iconic Watertown business, Mullen’s Dairy Bar, for 20 years. Their former ice cream shop and eatery continues to thrive in downtown Watertown, giving hope to others seeking small business success. Beyond her time as a teacher and small business owner, Mullen has donated countless hours to serving on boards and committees that promote local and state-wide education and wellness. These organizations include, but are not limited to, the Wisconsin Humanities Council, the Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission, and more recently, the Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation. Through this service, Mullen has helped to ensure literacy, education, and health and wellness programs reach more people. She also volunteers for the Watertown Area Cares Clinic.
Throughout her life, Mullen has exemplified the Watertown Way, and the very best of what it means to be a WHS Gosling.