Lauren Yamilkoski

Second Grade General Studies

Years as a teacher: 7

Years at LGA: 5

Why did you become a teacher?

As a child, I always told my mother I was going to be a teacher, but when it was time for college, I choose Movement Science as my major, in hopes of becoming a physical therapist. After completing part of my studies, I decided that wasn’t what I really wanted to do and switched my major to Elementary Education.

I had the most amazing teacher for both 2nd and 3rd grades, and from a young age — and even now — she has been a big inspiration for my teaching. 

What do you love about teaching at LGA?

There is such a strong sense of community from the moment you enter the building. When I first began here, everyone was so inviting, helpful and patient as I learned about the culture of the school. I absolutely love the people I work with, the students, and the families. Everyone is supportive of each other both with our work lives and our personal lives. 

What is your favorite topic/subject to teach and why?

Science is by far my favorite subject. I enjoy how hands-on science can be and love watching students discover new concepts through experimenting, building and problem solving. 

What is your favorite activity that you do with students outside of the main curriculum?

Every year, 2nd grade goes Sukkah Hopping. We walk to visit various sukkahs in the neighborhood, have discussions about the similarities and differences, and we enjoy lunch in Morah Devorah’s family sukkah. It is great to get to collaborate with the Judaic studies/Hebrew teacher(s) too. Overall, it is just a very relaxing, fun experience that I look forward to every year. 

What benefits do you see from our dual curriculum?

Unlike many other elementary schools, students at LGA are learning two very different languages. As a result, they develop a deeper understanding of how language works, such as sentence structure, proper tense, or subject-verb agreement.

The dual curriculum also creates a more rigorous curriculum, as they are learning more content in a day from a wider variety of areas. As a result, students gain a deeper understanding about the world around them. 

What is your favorite aspect to our communal celebrations?

The singing and our amazing music teacher Morah Tzipora. When everyone comes together for Morning Meeting or Kabbalat Shabbat there is such a positive vibe. You could walk in in a bad mood but there is no way you will walk out that way.