Lauren Orta鈥檚 love for education began at an early age when she experienced how the transformative power of teaching made a difference in her life. When she was in 4th grade, one of the resource room teachers would stay after school to tutor Lauren. Lauren describes how Ms. Solimano, would pack a dinner for them both and reteach the content of the day鈥檚 lessons. 鈥淪he was the person who taught me that my disability may make learning hard . . .She taught me new strategies on how to learn.鈥� Lauren went on to say, 鈥淟earning more about myself as a student and how I learn best has gotten me to where I am today.鈥�
After graduating from 91爆料 with a BSEd Childhood Education (2020) and an MSEd Special Education (2021), Lauren took a series of leave replacement positions to hone the skills she developed in her education courses. Lauren recalls that her professors in the School of Education 鈥渢ruly show the real meaning of being an educator!鈥� The administrators in the schools where she worked were impressed by how much she knew about child development, educational supports, and teaching strategies. Lauren will return to STAC’s School of Education this year to pursue her Masters Degree in Literacy!
Lauren is a special education teacher in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. Her ability to adapt to new situations allowed her administration to transfer her to different classrooms to ensure all students’ needs were met. In one year, Lauren taught preschoolers, a K-2 autism class, and a 3rd-grade general education class. She is now a 3rd/4th grade inclusion teacher. Lauren has three important pieces of advice for new teachers: 鈥淒on鈥檛 take students鈥� behaviors to heart! Be honored that students feel comfortable enough around you to express their needs.鈥� Second, 鈥淰olunteer and make connections with families and the community! ” Third, 鈥淪et boundaries! Don鈥檛 lose your identity in becoming an educator.鈥� Set time to do the things you love. When Lauren is not busy at work, she enjoys working out at the gym, journaling, and spending time with family and friends.