If you walk into Lauren Weeks\u2019 sixth grade English Language Arts class at Kansas City International Academy, there\u2019s a chance you could see the seventh-year teacher dressed up in a variety of different costumes while giving a lesson. No, every day isn\u2019t Halloween. And no, it isn\u2019t random. Weeks has found a unique way to connect and interact with her students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI strive to make learning fun,\u201d said Weeks. \u201cA few years, back I started dressing up as a grandma and named her \u2018Grammar Granny\u2019 to teach grammar lessons. This caught on at school and ultimately \u2018Grammar Granny\u2019 ended up teaching lessons to grades first through fifth!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She\u2019s also taught as \u2018Detective Weeks\u2019 when her class was searching for evidence in a block of text, among other costume characters. Her goal with this approach is to instill a desire and passion to learn by providing engaging content and a variety of opportunities to read, think, discuss and write. It\u2019s a unique method, but it\u2019s succeeded in resonating with her students and helped strengthen relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dancing is also strongly encouraged in her classroom. Weeks created a TikTok account as yet another creative way to connect with her students. She learned a number of trendy dances, and her students immediately loved her style. They\u2019ve even asked her to create TikToks with them to post and share on their own personal accounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy commitment to my students goes beyond the interactions in the classroom,\u201d said Weeks. \u201cI created a \u2018Citizen of the Month\u2019 program where I choose a student each month who displays kind and respectful behavior. The winner receives a trophy and is then able to select one friend to go on a fun activity with after school.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kansas City International Academy has an incredibly diverse group of students from all over the world. Nearly 30 countries are represented, and there are more than 15 languages spoken throughout the school. Weeks enjoys seeing all types of students unite and work together in the classroom, in their respective sports and other various extracurricular activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy students are loving and hilarious,\u201d said Weeks. \u201cThey make my job really fun. I also work with passionate teachers who always go above and beyond for our students. We push each other to be the best for our students each and every day while celebrating accomplishments regularly. We are truly one, big supportive family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to advice, Weeks has a simple phrase that she follows: It\u2019s okay to not know, but it\u2019s not okay to not try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMiddle school can be a scary and insecure time for students,\u201d said Weeks. \u201cI strive to build a classroom environment where students feel safe to try every day. I want students to understand mistakes are okay, and that\u2019s how we learn. I want them to feel determined to put in their best effort, and I want them to feel proud of themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Weeks believes students learn best when they know what to expect, and they are able to feel comfortable in their environment. The time and attention to detail that is shared at the beginning of each school year sets a clear expectation for the classroom. By doing so, Weeks has seen an increase in learning and an overall smoother transition by her students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cInstilling standards with my students can teach them responsibility, time management and accountability,\u201d said Weeks. \u201cThese are all important life skills that will enhance their overall quality of life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLauren was voted by her colleagues as the \u20182021 Teacher of the Year\u2019 for Kansas City International Academy,\u201d said Weeks nominator, Monica Smith. \u201cWhen she heard of transportation struggles of a student\u2019s family, she raised enough funds to get the student a bike, meet some basic family needs like bedding, and even some toys. When another student shared about a medical condition and her dream to play football, Lauren was able to get her connected with Kansas City\u2019s women\u2019s football team to join a flag football team through the Chiefs. She even went above and beyond by personally taking her to practices and games for seven weeks!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs indicated by Lauren\u2019s nominator, her excellence stretches far beyond the classroom walls,\u201d said Jenny Housley, Blue KC Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer. \u201cIt takes a special and passionate teacher to show the kind of love and support for her students on a recurring basis, but Lauren checks all of those boxes. Her unwavering support, in all aspects of their lives, is a truly inspiring characteristic. We\u2019re proud to help highlight her tremendous accomplishments.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n
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