CUSD 50 Staff Spotlight: Lauren Ream, Science Teacher at Harvard Junior High
"I was born in Harvard. We lived on Roosevelt road but moved away and spent time in the Oswego and Kaneland School districts before deciding to come home."
"I have taught for 15 years and 7 years in the district. I come from a family of teachers, where a passion for supporting, serving, and preparing the future generations was instilled early on. I have had two great mentors Monie Hayes and Ata Shakir. Monie really helped me understand the middle school mindset, and Ata taught me the importance of community in education."
"One thing I love about being an educator is watching students grow both academically and personally. One of my favorite things is when students have that “a’hah moment” and are able to make deep connections between ideas. 8th Grade graduation and the senior tribute are special moments.I look forward to them every year. I love celebrating the growth and amazing people our students have grown into before sending them off to their next great adventure."
"One of our greatest strengths as a district is our community, they always show up for our students, and are an integral part in supporting student learning and growth. Educators at Harvard truly embody the spirit of collaboration, and community. There is always someone to help support; other staff, our students, and their families."
"I believe you should always leave something better than you found it. This is achieved through taking the time to build relationships, supporting, listening and mentoring with others. Effective leadership comes from compassion, modeling, collaboration, recognizing strengths in others, and an understanding that we are all working toward a common goal; the success of our students."