Teacher: Lauren Rodriguez Celestin
School: KIPP: Endeavor Academy
Grade level: 7th grade ELA
Years teaching: two years
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of Missouri-Kansas City; Master of Education in Urban Education from Park University
What were you doing before you became a teacher? Before teaching, I worked as a bilingual aide for the Kansas City, Kansas Public School District.
Why did you want to become a teacher? It has always been important to me that all students are able to receive a quality education, regardless of their zip code.
How is your second year of teaching going? My second year of teaching has been amazing! I’m grateful for all of the learning that has taken place, both student learning and my personal growth.
What is the most rewarding part of being a teacher? Seeing students achieve a level of mastery that they never thought possible with a skill is humbling for me.
What advice would you give a new Resident who is just now beginning their journey towards becoming a teacher? This job is incredibly rewarding but difficult at the same time. Pace yourself, trust your “why”, and align yourself with those who share your mission.
Do you enjoy living/working in KC? Why? I have grown to love KC because of the energy the city has.
Tell us about the community at your school. KIPP is truly a “team and family”. Here, there are people who are dedicated not only to quality education, but also producing quality teachers.
How are your relationships with students? Families? My students are truly like my “kids”. Whether it’s motherly advice, or a “real talk” conversation, they know that they can rely on Mrs. RC.
More from Lauren
Lauren was recently the featured teacher in the KCUR article titled, This Kansas City Teacher Doesn’t Shy Away from Martin Luther King Jr.’s Full Legacy, by Elle Moxley. If you missed the article, you can read it here.
