Alumni Spotlight: Lauren Howard

Mikaela Campbell

McKay Student Ambassador

Early Childhood Education

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At the McKay School of Education, we seek to "Emulate the Master Teacher" as we go forward in life and in our teaching. I reached out to Lauren Howard, who graduated from BYU in April 2024 with a degree in Elementary Education. Lauren would love to share with you her experiences of how BYU has helped prepare her for her life and career.

Tell us about yourself! 

Hi! I'm Lauren Howard, I'm 26, and I currently live in Payson, UT, with my husband, Isaac. I’ve been teaching for 3 years. I’ve taught 2 years in 2nd grade, 1 year in 4th, and next year I'll be teaching 5th grade! I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Ed., and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. My favorite subject to teach has got to be math or social studies. A fun fact about my teaching journey is that in my first-ever job interview, I did an Elmo impersonation. It was very memorable to say the least!  

What are you doing now?

Currently, I teach 2nd grade at Rees Elementary! I’ll wrap up this school year, and over the summer, I’ll be working on some Utah Educator Endorsement courses. I’ll be taking some classes for my Computer Science, Math, and Teacher Leader Endorsements.

How did the McKay school's mission prepare you for teaching?

In the McKay School’s mission statement, it says: “Our inspiration is Jesus Christ, the Master Teacher.” I really do feel, for a few hours each day, I am a catalyst for Christ as I am teaching these students. While I am not teaching them about the gospel directly, I am sharing with them the light of Christ in the way that I nurture, build relationships, and teach. I recognize that many of my students do not understand what hope or light feels like. But as I try to emulate the Master Teacher, my students can begin to understand what that feels like. 

How has teaching impacted the way you serve others?

You know, teaching has really expanded my understanding of how to serve and how to follow the Spirit. Like I’ve said before, teaching is a team sport. I don’t know all the circumstances of a student’s situation. And because I don’t, it’s taught me a lot about how to be humble and to teach by the Spirit. If I can reach out for help, take the time to listen and understand with students and families, and then collaborate with other teachers to create the best learning environment, I am intentionally serving and supporting my students. 

What help have you received throughout your teaching journey? 

Oh my goodness, I have received so. Much. Help. Here’s the secret: teaching is a team sport. Our purpose is to help the student learn and grow in the best way possible, and one individual teacher can’t do it all. It’s impossible! I’ve had help from my mentors, BYU CFAs, facilitators, administrators, parents, special education teachers, and the list goes on. I believe that it’s so important to ask for help because asking means that you’re willing to collaborate to meet a student's needs. 

What has been the most fulfilling part of teaching? 

I believe the most fulfilling part of teaching is the bonds and relationships you create with

the students. Those bonds bring the most immaculate joy, and they also carry you through those hard, long days in the classroom. For example, the other day, my class was on a field trip to a farm. I heard a super fun song over the speaker and said ‘Guys, let’s dance!’ Cue 24 seven-year-olds and their teacher dancing to a hip-hop song about a chicken. It was a small thing, but that moment was a pause and reflection of what happiness teaching brings.

In what ways have you been able to teach with greater love like the Savior?

Teaching is really good at giving you moments to pause and love like the Savior. When a student is frustrated or unsure, I’ve learned to pause, sit beside them, and listen. Students need patience and understanding as much as they need answers to their math problems. Those experiences have helped me see my students a little more the way our Heavenly Father sees us. I can now look at my students with an awareness that they are full of potential and light! It’s a kind of love you can only really get when you experience teaching. When students feel seen and appreciated, they are more willing to learn and grow. In those quiet, consistent moments, I feel like I better understand the Savior’s example of love and service.

Lastly, any advice for students considering teaching?

If there is even a little bit of you that is thinking about teaching, GO FOR IT! It is a career that helps you feel fulfilled because you give back so much to those kiddos you teach. I truly cannot think of a more tender, more fun, and more exciting job than being a teacher. Don’t get me wrong, some of the days can be long. Some days you don’t feel like you know what you’re doing, and you wanna give up! But know those days just come and go, and you know what perks you up during those hard times? The kiddos. They get you through all the crazy, and they help you remember your purpose as a teacher.

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