MISD ALUMNI GET EARLY START ON TEACHING CAREERS
The first-grade teaching team at
Glenn Harmon Elementary School is unique . Four of the five teachers graduated from Mansfield ISD and returned to the district to work . Two of the teachers are in their first year of teaching and they both happen to be named Lauren . The Laurens say they knew before they went to college , they wanted to one day teach in their home district – a perfect example of how the district lives up to its motto as a great place to live , learn and teach .
Lauren Sosa and Lauren Haas grew up in Mansfield ISD and , although they graduated from different high schools , they share the experience of taking specialized education classes at Ben Barber Innovation Academy .
“ The program helped me prepare for my career and gave me connections to other teachers within the district ,” Haas said .
Through its Career Technical Education courses , Ben Barber offers a pathway for students interested in the field of education . Seniors in the program apply for internships where they gain hands-on teaching experience under the direct supervision of one of MISD ’ s certified teachers . Students learn to plan and direct both individual and group activities , prepare instructional materials and assist the classroom teacher with his or her responsibilities .
Lauren Sosa says her teacher-mentor prepared her for student teaching in college which is one of the guiding
“ I loved how ( the district ) ran their schools , so I knew that I always wanted to come back here .”
LAUREN HAAS First-Grade Teacher , Glenn Harmon Elementary School
statements of the district ’ s Vision 2030 strategic plan . Sosa was college ready when she graduated . much . I didn ’ t realize at that point it was a lot , but it got my confidence up . I loved it ,” Sosa said .
Lauren Haas completed her internship at D . P . Morris Elementary School which wound up being the perfect place . “ I was with a firstgrade class , and I really fell in love with first grade there ,” Haas said .
Both teachers say taking the education classes at Ben Barber gave them a head start on college .
Now , with a little more than half of their first year of teaching complete , they say they have experienced the usual challenges that come with being new , but they feel supported by their campus and the district .
“ I grew up in Mansfield , so I always felt drawn to it ,” Haas said . “ I loved how they ran their schools , so I knew that I always wanted to come back here .”
“ She taught me so
“ It ’ s cool that all of our team except for one graduated from MISD . I think that ’ s a credit to how good the district is – that it brings people back ,” Sosa said .
The quality of the district also is something that keeps teachers in Mansfield after being hired . According to the Texas Educators Association , MISD has the fourth lowest turnover rate in north Texas at 13.30 %.
Pictured from left are Lauren Sosa and Lauren Haas , first grade teachers at Glenn Harmon Elementary School .
To learn more about the Education & Training program at Ben Barber Innovation Academy , visit the district website .
7 MANSFIELDTODAY