Laura Worsfold: 'There is something magical about children'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When La Mesa School kindergarten teacher Laura Worsfold pursued a bachelor's degree in psychology she had no idea she would become a teacher.

 

“I never considered it. No one in my family teaches,” she says. “There is something magical about children. They are so positive. Even in the worst circumstances, they have a light about them and I am drawn to that. Just seeing the outlook of their life, they are just starting out and to be part of their early years is such an honor."

 

 

Her teaching journey began on her way back from an internship supporting kids in Tanzania. It was on the flight back home that she thought about going into public education. Laura is the first woman in her family to hold a college degree.

 

She received her bachelor's from California State University Monterey Bay, a teaching credential from Cal State Teach, and a Master's Degree from Brandman University. Pursuing that degree was no easy feat as she was teaching full-time for MPUSD and raising two young children. 

 

Laura began student teaching at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School of the Arts (at the time King Elementary School), substitute taught in 2014 and 2015 before getting hired in 2016 to teach TK at La Mesa.

 

“It is such a nice and supportive community with a wide range of diversity. You can learn from the global perspectives that come through La Mesa. It’s really special,” she says. “It feels like such a privilege to be a kindergarten teacher and be that first step of their (a student’s) academic journey to lay the foundation for academic success and personal success with their friends and their community."

 

When students come through the doors of her classroom, Laura wants them to know that they are capable and belong there. She appreciates the culturally responsive teaching at MPUSD and the opportunities it provides for students.

 

“I love that MPUSD is highlighting the value of student live learning and students are in charge of their learning,” she says. “We are highlighting the student over the system and that is wonderful.”

 

Most recently, her four and five year old students participated in student-led conferences for the first time.

 

“At first, I didn’t know how we’re going to do this, but it was really special to see them talk about their learning to their grown-ups and to watch them have the opportunity to be in the spotlight,” she says.

 

Outside of work, Laura enjoys being with her family. She has a four-year-old who will begin transitional kindergarten at La Mesa School this fall and a two-year-old. Laura enjoys reading, playing the guitar, hiking, or walking her dog on the beach.