Meet Lauran Macon '19, a Fifth and Sixth Grade English Language Arts (ELA) Learning Support Teacher at Hopewell Area School District.
Tell us about the work you do.
Currently I teach two sections of fifth grade ELA. I primarily work with students who have a reading disability, which means they do not comprehend and/or read at their grade level.
I also support fifth and sixth grade students on my roster in study hall. These are considered teaching periods for me, where I help students with assignments, tests, homework, etc.
Besides teaching, I also am in charge of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for the fifth and sixth graders on my roster. This means I am in charge of all of their paperwork and their meetings.
I also am the assistant seventh and eighth grade girls' basketball coach!
How did your major at La Roche prepare you for your career?
La Roche prepared me for my career in education because every semester we were in the classroom to gain hands-on experience working with students in various grade levels.
Before you enter student teaching, La Roche gives you the opportunity to work with various grade levels and teach a full semester of ELA and math. This is how I fell in love with special education before I even student taught!
During student teaching you are observed daily by your cooperating teacher, and weekly by your student teaching advisor. This prepared me because the first three years of my job I have to be formally observed by one of my building's principals using the same Danielson Framework that was used during student teaching.
La Roche also gave me opportunities to attend conferences, professional development, mock interviews and more! The Education Department really makes sure you are prepared.
What kind of impact did La Roche have on you as a person outside of your career?
La Roche made an impact on me with its transparency, willingness to help, and the support I received every step of the way during my college career. Everyone, from the admissions office, to the staff in the dining hall, showed me kindness and support every day. I try to show that same kindness to anyone I meet.
What advice do you have for current students?
Get involved! Although I commuted to La Roche, I was still a part of Kappa Delta Epsilon (KDE)! This was a great way to interact with my peers both inside and outside of the Education Department.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Reach out for help if you need it, even after you graduate. I contacted several of my education professors when I was starting to interview for jobs, and they were more than happy to help me through the process and review my lesson plans before I went into my final interviews.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?
Thank you to my professors, especially Dr. Maria Genest, Dr. Natalie Rugg, Dr. Kate Silvis and Dr. Andrea Peck. I would not be the educator I am without their help, support and guidance.