06/09/2026
Technology expert Caren Kimbarovsky is retiring after a career defined by innovation and a passion for education, having spent 16 years in Libertyville School District 70.
She concluded her professional journey last November at Highland Middle School, where she served as an Applied Technology teacher. This final role brought her back to the heart of the classroom after she spent fifteen years as one of the first Technology Literacy Coaches for Libertyville District 70, a position she describes as being "designed to bridge traditional classroom instruction with the fast pace of emerging technology."
For more than three decades, Kimbarovsky refined her skills to support staff and students from kindergarten through eighth grade. She came to D70 after working as a technology coach in North Shore School District 112, having spent seventeen years in Arlington Heights School District 25 in roles including team leader, resource teacher, and tech specialist. An inspiring speaker, she frequently shared her knowledge at national workshops and with the Illinois Digital Educators Alliance.
Beyond her technical expertise, Kimbarovsky was a vital member of the HMS theater team, ensuring technology ran smoothly during musicals and concerts. Through it all, her focus remained on the "aha" moments that happen when a student or staff member masters a new tool.
An approachable and helpful coworker, Kimbarovsky will miss the daily collaboration and the chance to "kibbitz" or chat with her colleagues. When asked how she would like to be remembered, she said she hopes she made technology feel "less intimidating and more possible," helping students and staff see new tools not as obstacles but as "opportunities to learn … never be afraid to try something new.”
As she enters retirement, she is trading lesson plans for new adventures, including traveling to Europe. She is also rekindling her love for the flute and challenging herself to learn Russian, piano, and guitar while continuing to experiment with artificial intelligence to keep up with a changing world.
