Rachel Lafler
Wife. Mom. Educator. Lifelong Learner. Spartan.
About Me:
I was born and raised in Saline, Michigan, a small town outside of Ann Arbor. Despite the close proximity to the University of Michigan, it was always my lifelong dream to follow in my father's footsteps and attend Michigan State University. After graduating from Saline High School in 2008, I was on my way to East Lansing to fulfill this dream!
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After four amazing years of undergraduate studies, I graduated from Michigan State in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Sciences - Human Resources and Society - and minoring in Psychology. While working toward this degree, I was also admitted to MSU's College of Education as part of the Teacher Preparation Program. After graduation, I completed my year-long student-teaching internship (as required by MSU) in Lansing, Michigan, teaching US History at Everett High School. Upon the completion of this program, I was certified to teach Social Studies at the secondary level.
My son and I visiting my sister at MSU!
At that time, my husband and I decided to move to North Carolina and start our lives together, so I began searching for teaching jobs in the area. I was extremely fortunate to be offered a job almost immediately after moving, thus beginning my teaching career. I spent the next three years teaching sixth grade Social Studies (Geography and Ancient World History) at Reedy Creek Middle School in Cary, North Carolina, a suburb of Raleigh. While at Reedy Creek, I focused on creating a positive learning enivronment by teaching history in an enthusiastic and engaging manner. I also utilized multiple instructional and assessment styles/methods and integrated various technological tools and resources. Beyond the content, I was dedicated to preparing my students for success within, and beyond, the classroom by focusing on the development of 21st Century Skills and promoting an awareness of the world around us. As an educator, I believe it is my job to help prepare my students to be responsible, productive, and informed members of society.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed my job and the life we built in North Carolina, after my third year teaching, it was time for us to move back home to Michigan for my husband's job. Now, we are so happy to be back and close to family, especially with the arrival of our first child, our son, Elijah, in November 2016. At the moment, I am fortunate enough to be able to stay at home and focus on Elijah, while also finishing graduate school. I am currently completing my final course of MSU's Master of Arts in Education (MAED) program and will graduate in December 2017. In my "free" time, I love: being outdoors doing things such as camping, hiking, or just working in the yard; taking my son to library storytime; traveling to locations both near and far; anything Michigan State, especially Spartan football; spending time with family and friends; and simply relaxing at home. Although I am enjoying this "time off," I am greatly looking forward to continuing my career in education, and I strongly believe that MSU's MAED program has prepared me to be an effective and impactful educator in a range of educational settings and learning environments.
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Tailgating before MSU's football game with my family.
Ziplining in Gatlinburg, TN with my husband.
Disney World with my family (including 6 week old Elijah)!
My family (Left - Right): Husband, Me, Son, Sister, Mom, Dad, Sister, Brother.
Snowboarding at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, MI with my dad, brother, and sisters.
I hope that this page has allowed you to get to know me, both on a personal and professional level, further. The rest of this professional portfolio details more information specifically regarding my teaching career and education, including my resume and graduate work.