Meet Mrs. Ortego

Dear Lion families,

My name is Erica Ortego, and I am so excited to welcome you to First Grade! It is important to me to provide a joyous environment for your student this academic year filled with wonder, connection, and belonging. 

Let me tell you a bit about myself - 

This is my second year teaching first grade at Laurel Mountain Elementary, and I couldn't be more excited to kick-start our year! I previously taught second grade, and prior to that, I worked as an Educational Assistant in our Intervention department, where I taught groups of learners from Kindergarten through Fifth grade. I am certified to teach EC - 6th grade, and hold additional certifications in ESL, SPED, and TAG. 

Through both my work and my personal life I greatly value authenticity, connection, and community. I believe every child deserves the best education possible. My classroom is a joyful and language-rich space where students take risks, collaborate with their peers, laugh through learning as much as possible,  and use the amazing background knowledge they walk in with to co-construct new knowledge together. 

I have been married to my husband, Alan, for 19 years. Together we have three children - Kate is a junior at Westwood High School this year, Alexandra will be in seventh grade at Canyon Vista Middle School, and Everett will be in fifth grade here at LME. We also have an exuberant and beloved Great Pyrenees-mix dog named Sandy. I talk about Sandy’s adventures frequently in class because she fills our days with sunshine and snuggles. We also have a menagerie of six fish and a snail! 

I love traveling to destinations near and far, exploring nature in Central Texas, kayaking, and literature. I have a deep love of the outdoors and gardening. I am passionate about using our wonderful outdoor spaces in my teaching as much as possible, and last year completed UT's SproUTing Teachers program, where I worked to adapt items in our curriculum for outdoor learning. 

I look forward to partnering together for a great school year!

Sincerely,

Erica Ortego