Laura passionately believes in all students’ learning abilities. She is focused on using Common Core strategies to help her students excel academically and socially, and collaborates weekly with her peers, colleagues and the district to ensure that Common Core State Standards are implemented in her classroom. She is currently serving as the Down Syndrome Specialist for her school and district and is committed to playing an active role in educating other teachers and administrators in behavioral and educational strategies that assist students with disabilities. She is also the Courtesy Committee chair for her school and actively boosts school morale. Laura previously taught 4th grade and kindergarten in Memphis City Schools. She holds a BA in Elementary Education from Crichton College and an MA in Special Education from Grand Canyon University.