Lauren is entering her 13th year of teaching in Reno, Nevada where she teaches 4th grade. She graduated in 2011 with a BS in Early Childhood Education from Xavier University and was a 2011 Teach For American corps member in Oklahoma City. Throughout her career, Lauren has had the opportunity to teach students in grades 3-11. She has pursued continuing education with a focus on English Language Acquisition and Development, as well as Curriculum and Instruction. Lauren believes every child deserves literacy instruction rooted in the science of reading and learning. She is passionate about implementing research-aligned instructional practices into her classroom and school community. She enjoys forming meaningful relationships with her students and creating a learning community that perpetuates kindness, curiosity, and inclusivity. This leads to increased opportunities for problem solving, critical thinking, and collaboration, skills which Lauren strives to cultivate in her students. She believes a strong connection between families and educators is essential to student success.