Hi everyone! My name is Lauren and I am a school library media specialist at North Clayton Middle School in College Park, Georgia. In the past I collaborated and co-taught Special Education math and English Language Arts. I previously taught 11th grade ELA for 7 years. I currently am a member of Georgia Library Media Association and serve as the Summer Institute Co-Chair. I am also a member of the American Library Association and American Association for School Libraries.

I earned my bachelor’s in English Education from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!), my master’s in English Education from Valdosta State University,  and my education specialist’s in Instructional Technology from the University of West Georgia. 

Riverdale, Georgia is my hometown; however, I spent a large chunk of my childhood in Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Arabia. I also spent a year teaching abroad in Abu Dhabi, UAE. I am married and have a three-year-old daughter. I love traveling and going out to eat; I try to get outside, take walks, and visit my local library frequently. I read A LOT of middle grades and young adult titles so I can stay cool with my adolescent readers (wink); however, some of my favorite adults books include Their Eyes Were Watching God, The Color Purple, and Under the Feet of Jesus.