Teacher Feature: Lauren Thomas

• Lauren Thomas
• Posted 10/17/24
• 0 comments

Get to know our authors!  In our “Teacher Feature,” you will not only learn about our contributors’ professional endeavors but also get to know them as humans too.  Just like our readers – our authors are actively teaching in schools across the United States.     

Hi! My name is Lauren Thomas. My passion is collaborative and cross-curricular lessons for the music classroom. I have taught general music for over fifteen years, and I live just north of Charleston, SC, with my beagle puppy, Mortimer. In my free time, I like to obsess over Pinterest, color rainbows, write poetry, and write sticker journal entries.

Some other interesting facts we learned about Lauren…

How did you end up becoming a music teacher? 

When I graduated college and began searching for a job, I found a 1×1 inch want ad for a general music teacher at an unnamed school. Though I knew nothing about the school at the time, I applied, interviewed, and was offered the position. I went on to teach K-6 music there for thirteen years.

Did a teacher influence your decision to enter education?

My senior year of high school brought a new band director to my school. He convinced about ten of us to go into music education. Most chose to become high school band directors, but I chose elementary general music.

What inspires you to share your experiences with other teachers? 

As a music teacher at a small school, it got lonely teaching by myself. I adapted by incorporating collaborative and cross-curricular lessons with the various grade levels and subjects in my school, including other special areas. When I saw how effective collaborative lessons could be, I knew I wanted to share them with others.

What is your favorite music teaching moment?

My favorite music teaching moment was the first time I had an afterschool choir and saw what a difference it made when every student wanted to be there to make music. My proudest moment was when I presented an instrumental and choreographed (no vocals) winter program in December of 2020 during COVID.

What has been the biggest surprise/revelation about being a music teacher?

I cannot get over how many children and adults have told me a teacher told them they can’t sing! I let everyone know that they can sing just fine.

How do you deal with stress?

My dog, Mortimer, keeps me going. Even on hard mornings or during long nights, I go outside and walk or play with him. I also color a lot. Like over 200 pictures in crayon, marker, or pencil over the last five month.

Fun Facts About Lauren   

What is your favorite food?

Pizza!

Do you have any pets?

Mortimer is a beagle mix with a zest for destruction and digging. He will be two in December 2024. He’s an all-white bed hog with one tan spot on his left ear.

What is your favorite style of music to listen to?

I could no sooner choose a favorite than count the stars in the sky! I tend to listen to solo artist ballads like Adele and Sam Smith, but I also enjoy rap, jazz, Gregorian chant, and traditional music of India and Ireland.

What is your favorite school appropriate beverage – are you a cola or coffee drinker? 

Sweet tea with lemonade “Arnold Palmer”

What is your favorite book?

The Secret Garden

We hope you enjoyed getting to know Lauren Thomas as much as we have.  Check out Lauren’s articles below!