Laura Reed is golden
By ANDREA GALABINSKI
nfmneighbor@breezenewspapers.com
Of the more than 2,000 nominated teachers, three from North Fort Myers have been chosen as Golden Apple recipients by the Foundation for Lee County Schools.
They are Laura Reed, Pre-K teacher at Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Littleton, Kim Smith, fourth grade teacher at North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts and Billy Lansberry, ninth-12th grade teacher at North Fort Myers High.
The North Fort Myers Neighbor will highlight each of the three teachers over the next three weeks, beginning from elementary to high school.
Laura Reed
Her kids may need to learn, or they may need a hug. That’s what she does every day.
On Thursday, March 1, Laura Reed was surrounded by her students and support staff when she received her Golden Apple from the Foundation for Lee County Schools.
Marshall T. Bower, Esq., executive director of the Foundation, was one of the parade.
“It recognizes excellence in teaching and celebrates the profession,” he said.
Among her many accomplishments, Reed holds a Graduate Study in Autism, Autism Certification, State University of New York, at Albany, May 2004; Special Education, master’s degree, Dominican College, August 2002; Elementary Education Pre K – 6, Bachelor degree, State University of New York at New Paltz, May 1999; Elementary Education, associate’s degree, Sullivan County Community College State University of New York, June 1997.
“Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Littleton Elementary is proud to celebrate Ms. Laura Reed as one of the 2012 Golden Apple Teachers,” said Principal Monica Broughton.
She joined the staff in August of 2004 and has served as a Pre K ESE teacher.
“Children come first in every decision that she makes both on and off campus. She is actively involved with numerous organizations such as the Surf and Song Festival sponsored by Lee Memorial Health Systems, the National Association for the Education of Young Children and Autism Speaks – all of which are doing things to provide better services and resources for children with autism.”
Reed’s classroom is always a buzz, with students who want her attention.
“From a young age I was interested in helping children who had difficulty learning,” she said.
A Pine Island resident, she has put more than 17 years into teaching.
“That’s specifically with special needs, I fell in love with it.”
Of the honor itself, she said, she could not be more surprised.
“I looked up at my staff and said – when I saw the group (selection committee and staff) – ‘I’m in field trip gear!”
“We teach hands-on at Littleton every day,” she said. “I just think it (the Golden Apple) showcases teachers for what they do.”
“Students in my classroom learn how to be safe, follow directions, be independent and how to be successful in school,” she said.
She gives a monthly newsletter to go home and highlights events, resources and learning information.
“I teach empathy for others, kindness and the DML Curriculum. I also teach using all five senses that covers everyone’s learning style.”
She communicates via emails, phone calls and in person on a daily basis with parents.
“I also offer a sibling day once a month in my classroom.”
“I am extremely proud of Ms. Reed. She is a caring teacher who works tirelessly to make it happen for children every day. Ms. Reed is very deserving of this award,” said Broughton.