Meet Lauren Kroutil

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Kroutil.

Lauren, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
We’ve all been there; sitting quietly for circle time in our Kindergarten classroom, waiting oh so patiently to be next to answer our teacher’s question, beautifully displayed on the whiteboard in “teacher” writing, as we called it. “What do you want to be when you grow up?” At just five years old this question was simple, and a variety of answers were eagerly announced, one by one. Next, it was my turn and I instantly declared I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up, but what did that really mean?

Years down the road, now a junior in high school, and with colleges, application deadlines, and careers being thrown at me, I decided to take a different path in my career choice — the medical field. After completing my BS in Psychology and conducting further research on professions within the medical field to further my educational studies, I couldn’t help but think back to that day in my Kindergarten classroom. My heart wasn’t in reach for a career in the field of medicine, but still within the aspirations to become a teacher.

I scurried for a stack of sticky notes and my favorite pen and jotted down the same question my Kindergarten teacher wrote on her whiteboard (however, showing no mastery of that “teacher” writing): “What do you want to be when you grow up?” This sticky note then traveled with me to the bathroom where I tactfully placed it on the mirror. Overlooking the sticky note, I stared longingly into my eyes, then my heart, and found myself still reaching for the day I would have my own classroom, my own students, and at least one graduate degree.

Fast forward a year and a half later and I now can say I have my own classroom, my own students, and a Master’s Degree in Special Education, while also preparing to begin my Doctoral program in a few short months.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My pathway to becoming a Special Education teacher was nothing short of smooth, but rather a little bumpy along the way. Becoming a young mother at the age of 21 and shortly going through a heart wrenching divorce at the age of 23, moving home to be near family was my only option for a fresh start and to continue my educational endeavors. Luckily my mother, Diane Elken, welcomed me and my son with open arms here in Arizona. Not only while I completed my Bachelor’s degree, but also from day one of my Master’s Degree, my mother spent countless nights playing with, feeding (even lots of desserts!), and nurturing my son in ways I am most thankful for. Without my village, I wouldn’t be where I am today in my career and in my current season life.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
As a Special Education Teacher, I wear many hats. Unlike my peer general education teachers who focus solely on academics, I serve both as an educator and as an advocate for students with special needs. My daily schedule is divided amongst lesson planning, differentiating instruction, assessing student’s current academic performance, and managing their Individualized Education Programs/Plans (IEPs).

I love the various perspectives my students bring to me each school day. One of my core values I teach my students is to be realistic when it comes to the world of academia. This includes the impassions I possess to be an effective teacher by focusing on what I can do, instead of what I am unable to control, keeping me doing my very best for my students each day.

As a second-year educator, setting myself apart from other veteran teachers can be a challenge in itself. The creation of my classroom environment has been established on mutual respect while providing my students with a safe learning community, allowing my students to feel welcome during our time together. Using assessment data to improve, adjust, and transform my teaching practices supports even my most challenging students. Special Education is an ever-fluid and evolving discipline and I am honored to be a part of this community.

What have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned over the course of your career?
If I could change one thing, I would have added Sign Language to my college focus courses, both in undergrad and my graduate programs. Learning Sign Language would help me contribute even more to my students and my teaching processes because I would be able to act as a liaison for non-verbal students in addition to my daily tasks as a Special Education Teacher.

Contact Info:

• Email: Kroutil.Lauren@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenkroutil/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.kroutil
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_V_yb-6adE

Image Credit:
Chaos in Focus Photography

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