Asbury Educator of the Month: Lauren Moorhead
What does Lauren Moorhead think about her job as an eighth-grade science teacher at Jessie Clark Middle School? “It’s unfair,” she said.
Right, because science is tough and middle schoolers are even tougher? Nope. It’s the opposite. The only thing she loves more than teaching science are her students.
“Middle schoolers get a bad reputation, but they are smart and kind,” she said. “They are terrific to work with. I have a wonderful job.”
Moorhead especially appreciates the interaction she has with her science students. “I really enjoy talking with them, and young people have such interesting insights and ask surprising questions.”
During a discussion of the fight or flight response, a student wondered: “If you are scared, would a child run faster?” Another asked — after learning that cancer cells are constantly reproducing — whether patients are hungrier. After all, they must supply that extra energy.
Moorhead describes herself as a passionate teacher with a knack for keeping students engaged. “It’s difficult to ignore someone who is so passionate,” she said. And that explains the second part of job enjoyment: the subject matter.
“Science is such a part of everyday life,” she said, “and kids really want to understand what’s happening around them.”
Moorhead employs project-based learning. She presented at a national conference on the process. Students complete a project every two weeks and then discuss the results another opportunity for student-teacher engagement.
Moorhead’s first college major was animal science — until she found herself trying to corral a wayward sheep. “I thought, ‘This isn’t for me.’” Her mother suggested education and 11 years into her career, Moorhead has not looked back.
“I was never top of my class so I understand kids who struggle. I make sure I explain things well to them,” she said.
Moorhead is popular on campus and when word of this award spread, her paraeducator, Becky Johnson, created a blue ribbon for her (see above). Of course, the job is reward enough for Moorhead.
“I am serving my community and my state by providing better citizens,” she said. “I’m also serving my purpose in life by bringing more joy into the world.”
NOMINATIONS: Asbury University’s School of Education, which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees for young adults and working professionals in Kentucky and around the world, is pleased to honor world-class educators throughout Kentucky. If you would like to nominate an educator, contact Asbury University’s School of Education at AUSOE@asbury.edu.