About Mrs. VanTassel

        Hello! My name is Mrs. Lauren VanTassel.  I began my teaching career in Erie, PA.  I taught 7/8 Language Arts for a year, and followed the next year with 5/6 Science.  I moved to Greenville in 2005, where I began my third year of teaching at Greenview Elementary!  I then continued my teaching career at Thomas E. Kerns Elementary, where I taught fifth grade for 10 years.  When I came to Lake Forest, I taught 4th grade for 9 years. I'm excited to get back into the 5th grade classroom this year!

     I received my Bachelor of Science degree from Gannon University in Erie, PA.  I have my degree in both elementary and special education.  While at Gannon, I was fortunate to work in a multitude of classrooms ranging from preschool multidisability to 4th grade learning support to high school emotional support.  I was also the secretary for our Council for Exceptional Children.  I was a member of our football, basketball, and competition cheerleading squads.  I hope that this shows in my teaching, as I am full of energy, love to have fun while learning, and am fully supportive of my students.

    I received my Master's Degree in Literacy with a focus on English Language Learners from Clemson University.  Through this program, I gained an immense amount of knowledge about literacy, as well as English Language Learners.  I feel that I have been able to effectively apply what I learned at Clemson to my 4th grade classroom.

    I grew up in Sharon, PA (about an hour north of Pittsburgh), and became very passionate about the Pittsburgh sports teams. I am especially crazy about the Steelers. While not teaching, I enjoy participating in wakeboarding, snow sports, watching Steelers football, running, and other various activities. I am also very involved in gymnastics. When I moved to South Carolina, I began coaching the Bronze gymnastics team at Foothills Gymnastics and Cheer Center in Easley. While I have taken a break to spend time with my family, I still stay involved in what my gymnasts and my team continue to accomplish.

    I have been married to my husband since 2007. We had our first child, Owen, on September 13, 2014. We then had our second child, Ella Kate, 13 months later, on October 7, 2015. While our life is certainly busy, we wouldn't change it for the world :)

      Again, I am looking forward to a great year!  I hope you find my classroom warm and inviting.  Please let me know if I can assist you in any way!