ASUMH Keystone Spring 2018 ASUMH Keystone Magazine Spring 2018 | Page 7

LAURA
KNOX
DIRECTOR OF TEACHER EDUCATION
KEYSTONE FACULTY
Q&A
Was your own educational path
traditional or non-traditional?
years old.  A year later, I started teaching as an adjunct instructor for ASUMH.  It
kept me engaged in my career but also made me realize I wanted a change.  Four
years later, ASUMH offered me a full-time faculty position and to be the director
of the Teacher Education program.
It was a traditional path.  I was very
blessed that my parents valued education and were able to send me to col-
lege.  While studying for both of my master’s degrees, I worked and went to
school, but it was just me.  I didn’t have to look far to see those students with
both jobs and families going to school. I admired them for their dedication.
What can students expect to learn in your classroom? Students will
learn what to truly expect in a public school environment. Teachers have a tre-
mendous responsibility and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. It is important to make
connections with your students and to let them know you value them and support
them. Teachers can be great motivators for students to reach their goals.  Students
will always remember those teachers who made them feel special.  Educators
must have so many skills: strong organizational and planning skills, flexibility,
be current on technology, be motivational, professional, have integrity, and the
ability to multi-task. All that, plus a desire for lifelong learning and being able to
keep things in perspective. 
What led you to the discipline you teach? My first job after grad-
uating with my bachelor’s degree in communications was at the University
of Nebraska-Wesleyan in Lincoln, Nebraska, as a liaison working on the “Just
Say No” campaign with fifth-graders.  I fell in love with teaching younger
students and I found myself wanting to be at the elementary school more
than the college.  After a year and a half, I left Lincoln and moved to Den-
ver, Colorado, and began a master’s program in Elementary Education. Funny
now that I reflect on this, I started off at the collegiate level and now I am
back 16 years later.
What kinds of jobs are available to students who are in your dis-
cipline? There will always be a need for teachers. The traditional role that most
Did you run into any obstacles along your path? The greatest
people think of for teachers is not the only option for educators anymore. There
are possibilities as public and private school teachers, online teaching, corporate
training, and educational sales.
obstacle I encountered was when my oldest son was diagnosed with an
arachnoid cyst on the left side of his brain at 13 months.  This would require
brain surgery where the neurosurgeon would put in a VP shunt in his brain.
At the same time, we found out we were pregnant with our second child and
my husband was between jobs.  It was all a little overwhelming to say the
least.  We decided that after the first brain surgery and our second son was
born, that I would put my career on hold until things became clearer and
calmed down.  This was very difficult for me; I had worked since I was 14
Why is ASUMH a good choice for students? Students are not a
number, we truly care about our students and want to help guide them to reach
their goals. The students I teach today will be teaching my children and grand-
children tomorrow.
What advice would you give students looking for their life’s
path? Be open to what is put before you. 
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