Brent profiles new 2nd grade teacher Lauren Swissman.
“For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be an elementary school teacher. I always loved school and had a passion for learning and education.”
“For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be an elementary school teacher. I always loved school and had a passion for learning and education.”
What is your teaching and educational background?
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be an elementary school teacher. I always loved school and had a passion for learning and education. At the University of Maryland, I earned Bachelor’s degrees in psychology and elementary education and taught fourth grade in Prince George’s County. Throughout college, I was active with America Reads in providing books and literacy tutoring. I followed this path past graduation where I continued to teach in Arlington County Public Schools. My four years of teaching there flew by! I taught two years of 2nd grade and two years of 3rd grade. During my fourth year in Arlington, I helped to pilot a 1:1 iPad program and became active in ways that technology can transform learning. These experiences, combined with my love of learning, brought me to Teachers College, Columbia University this past year where I worked towards my Master’s in Educational Technology. While completing my Master’s, I had the opportunity to supervise new teachers in the Elementary Education program.
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be an elementary school teacher. I always loved school and had a passion for learning and education. At the University of Maryland, I earned Bachelor’s degrees in psychology and elementary education and taught fourth grade in Prince George’s County. Throughout college, I was active with America Reads in providing books and literacy tutoring. I followed this path past graduation where I continued to teach in Arlington County Public Schools. My four years of teaching there flew by! I taught two years of 2nd grade and two years of 3rd grade. During my fourth year in Arlington, I helped to pilot a 1:1 iPad program and became active in ways that technology can transform learning. These experiences, combined with my love of learning, brought me to Teachers College, Columbia University this past year where I worked towards my Master’s in Educational Technology. While completing my Master’s, I had the opportunity to supervise new teachers in the Elementary Education program.
Tell us how the start of the school year is going for your class?
The first week is a very exciting part of the year! I loved forming our classroom community and getting to know each student. We spent most of our time engaged in activities that allowed us to get to know each other, build trust in one another, and really begin forming a community! We (the 2nd Grade Wizards!) formed strong bonds that will allow us to have a safe, respectful learning environment throughout the school year.
What would be some of the words your students have used to describe you as a teacher?
In my prior school, I won “Best Hair” on Silly Hair Day! Therefore, I definitely think they would describe me as silly and fun! I strive to make children feel comfortable in who they are by modeling this myself. I think they would also describe me as caring and enthusiastic!
What is unique about second grade and second graders?
The growth of second graders always amazes me! As the year progresses, I see second graders blossom into confident and independent problem solvers. I also love their curiosity and thirst for new knowledge.
The first week is a very exciting part of the year! I loved forming our classroom community and getting to know each student. We spent most of our time engaged in activities that allowed us to get to know each other, build trust in one another, and really begin forming a community! We (the 2nd Grade Wizards!) formed strong bonds that will allow us to have a safe, respectful learning environment throughout the school year.
What would be some of the words your students have used to describe you as a teacher?
In my prior school, I won “Best Hair” on Silly Hair Day! Therefore, I definitely think they would describe me as silly and fun! I strive to make children feel comfortable in who they are by modeling this myself. I think they would also describe me as caring and enthusiastic!
What is unique about second grade and second graders?
The growth of second graders always amazes me! As the year progresses, I see second graders blossom into confident and independent problem solvers. I also love their curiosity and thirst for new knowledge.
