Wiley PTA Welcomes Lauren Golden
The first day of school is right around the corner, and this year we are welcoming several new teachers joining the Wiley team. We are so excited these talented folks will be teaching and leading our kids this year! Our parent volunteers have interviewed each new teacher so we can learn a little more about who they are and what makes them so passionate about teaching. Please help us welcome them to the Wiley family!
In this interview, Wiley mom Lauren Miller speaks to Wiley’s newest first-grade teacher Lauren Golden.
Tell us a little bit about who you are and where you were before you got to Wiley!
My name is Lauren Golden, and I am excited to join the 1st Grade Team at Wiley! I grew up in western North Carolina but have lived all over the southeast, including Florida, Georgia, and Washington D.C. I have lived in Raleigh for four years, and this is my fourth year teaching. I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and my Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. I am single, and I have no children, so my students get my whole heart and attention. (Alongside my kitties, Waylon and Willie).
What is the story of how you got to Wiley?
Wiley has been on my radar for a while because one of my friends, Challie Sullivan, teaches 2nd Grade here. She would always say the most amazing things about the school, the dedication of the staff, and the wonderful students. I knew one day I was destined to work there. When they had an opening for 1st grade (my favorite grade to teach), I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing school!
What are your favorite hobbies or activities?
I love to read, and the beach is one of my favorite places. I also love to cook and experiment with new recipes.
Will you tell us your mentors or favorite teachers and what they taught you or a favorite memory from Elementary School?
I had a lot of amazing teachers, most of which I’m still in contact with today. The thing I remember about them is the way they made me feel as a child: safe. Looking back on it, it was because they set clear expectations for their students, and in turn, we knew what to expect from them. They were strict in terms of behavioral expectations, and the classroom was structured, but we always knew how much we were loved.
What do you love / your favorite thing about teaching?
I love the hugs and the sweet notes and pictures the children draw for me, but there is no better feeling than when children accomplish something they struggled with. You can see the joy in their faces, and the pride they exude is priceless.
What is your favorite subject taught at Wiley?
Reading! I’m such a lover of books and want to nurture that love in my students at the beginning reader stage!
What is your favorite book or author you read as a kid or to read with kids?
Junie B. Jones and Miss Piggle Wiggle
What is the most important thing kids can bring to your class?
Kindness. I view my class as a family. I want the children to not only be kind and respectful of me, but of each other. We work a lot at the beginning of the year on getting to know each other, and developing a close-knit group that we will make memories with the rest of the year.
