Hi! I'm Laura!

I began my DPS career teaching middle school ELA in 1998. Over the years, I’ve also served as a media coordinator and Beginning Teacher Mentor. I truly believe that education is a liberating force and a powerful social equalizer. I value our students deeply and believe in their limitless potential. As an educator, I never stop growing—personally or professionally—and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the generous, talented, and hard-working adults who are drawn to this profession.

I live with my husband right here in my hometown of Durham. For fun, we enjoy playing board and video games, binge-watching our favorite shows, and catching up with friends under the twinkly lights on our deck. We’re also slowly but surely fixing up our 1930 farmhouse. I’m an avid reader and always enjoy a good crafty project.

My Bull City roots run deep. My great-grandparents and grandparents were all from Durham, and my grandmother attended grades 1–12 at Bragtown School, where she met my grandfather in 1936. Decades later, I would attend Bragtown, too, when it had become a sixth-grade center serving students from across Durham. I also attended Holt, Chewning, and Northern.

After earning my bachelor’s degree in English Education from UNCG, I returned to my hometown and began my teaching career with DPS. I later earned my master’s degree in Library Science from NCCU, graduating summa cum laude.

As a lifelong Durhamite and proud product of DPS, I’m honored to serve the vibrant, diverse, and culturally rich community that has shaped so much of who I am.

I am excited to learn more about you and look forward to getting to know you this year!