Summer Programs Director. Auxiliary Programs Coordinator.

Laura graduated from Springside School in 2006 and started teaching at SCH Academy in 2010.
 

What inspired you to become a teacher?

My love of helping children discover who they are is what inspired me to become a teacher. Children’s  joy and excitement when they have learned something new is truly heartwarming. I have worked with children most of my life, from a babysitter to a camp counselor to where I am today at SCH. Children are our future and being a part of their learning is incredibly special. 

What attracted you to teach at SCH?

To be honest, I came back to SCH to do my teaching observations for my education degree because it was convenient and I had a connection from having attended previously. But once I came back on campus I immediately felt welcomed and like I was right where I was supposed to be. I watched teachers who were dedicated to our youth and looking to create strong independent children and I wanted to be a part of that. The sense of community that I encountered was also a huge reason I wanted to pursue working at SCH. I saw that SCH was looking to grow while keeping its past traditions, which are important to alumni. Over the past 10 years, I have seen so much growth within SCH. I am proud to be a part of this community and excited to see my children attend my and my husband’s alma mater!

What part of SCH’s mission or values is most meaningful to you as a teacher?

For me, the most meaningful value is SCH’s dedication to continued growth and learning in the area of diversity and how to better support our students and families. Due to the ongoing issues this country is facing, I feel that SCH has taken on this call to action and is working hard with the faculty and staff to do better. Over the past two years, I have been working on a program—BREATHE (Be Ready to Embrace All Through Hope and Equality)­—whose goal is to assist faculty in having challenging conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion when situations arise in the classroom that require discussion and understanding. When I first started to develop BREATHE, I was encouraged by SCH to continue my work in this area, and I was also embraced by my peers who joined me in developing this program into what it is today. If it wasn’t for this community and the support of SCH leadership, this program would not be up and running successfully right now.
 
What do you enjoy most about teaching and why?

My position at the school enables me to interact with grades PK-8 and it is so great to watch students grow and turn into such amazing humans. I enjoy being a part of their growth and helping them discover who they are by creating unique activities and programs that pique their interests. Right now, in After Care, we are working on creating a movie. I have students writing the script, trying out for parts, making the background and props, and filming. This idea was created by students and will be facilitated and carried out by students and that is such a cool thing to be a part of. If I can support their dream, I will.

 

Learn more about Summerside Camps at SCH Academy. View our upcoming summer calendar, camp offerings, rates, and opportunities for summer employment.