5th Grade Collaborative Teacher 

lmcclellan@eanesisd.net

Hello and welcome to the 2025–2026 school year!

I’m so excited to begin another year at Forest Trail Elementary, a place that has truly come to feel like home. I joined FTE in 2018 as a teacher’s assistant, and it’s been a joy to continue growing as part of such a supportive and passionate learning community.

My background in education spans over two decades, with a particular passion for special education that began during my college years. I earned my BS in Education from Texas State University (formerly SWT), with certifications in Elementary Education, Early Childhood, and Special Education. My teaching journey began in London, England, where I completed student teaching in lower elementary classrooms. After returning to Texas, I taught at Mina Elementary in Bastrop and then at Chisholm Trail Middle School in Round Rock.

After several years in the classroom, I took time away to be home with my children during their early elementary years—an experience I’m incredibly grateful for. I later returned to teaching at Regents School of Austin, where I worked with sixth graders before transitioning to Forest Trail. For the past six years, I’ve served in special education, working closely with general education teams to support student growth.

Last year, I had the opportunity to work alongside the third grade team. That experience gave me a fresh perspective on early upper elementary learning and allowed me to see the remarkable academic and emotional growth that happens during those foundational years. It was a truly rewarding chapter, and now I’m especially enthusiastic to return to fifth grade—a place where students are developing greater independence, confidence, and curiosity, while also building strong academic skills that prepare them for middle school. Fifth grade is such a pivotal year for connecting ideas, deepening understanding, and stretching critical thinking, and I’m thrilled to be part of that journey!

Outside of the classroom, I’m an avid traveler and lifelong learner. I’ve explored destinations from the South Pacific to Europe—including London, Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Athens, and more. I love diving into books, especially when they help me better understand new cultures and places.

Above all, I care deeply about students. Helping children grow, feel supported, and reach their potential is the heart of my work. I strive to bring flexibility, compassion, and creativity into every day, and I’m truly honored to be a part of your child’s educational journey.

Looking forward to a wonderful year ahead!