Hello, my name is Laura Johnson. My entire life I have lived in the country, outside the small town of Malta. I am very close with my family, and am the oldest of three girls. Growing up, my sisters and I enjoyed spending endless hours outside taking care of our many animals. Although I have always had a natural tendency to help and teach others, especially my two younger sisters, it was not until high school that I made the decision to apply to Illinois State University and major in Elementary Education. Reflecting back on my four years of college, I feel very fortunate that as a senior in high school I was able to make a decision about my future that was absolutely the right choice for me.

I have just completed a year-long internship through the Pekin Professional Development School program. While in the program, I was fortunate to have experiences in a fifth grade classroom, a kindergarten classroom, and a seventh/eighth grade science classroom.  On May 10, 2008, I graduated Summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education.

While attending Illinois State University, I became very involved with student organizations. My freshman year I became an active member of the Student Education Association and Student’s Serving Individuals with Disabilities. I also became a mentor for College Mentors for Kids, a student organization serving 1st-4th grade at-risk students. My junior year, I was asked to be the president of College Mentors for Kids. While president, I learned many things about collaboration, communication, organization, time-management, and financial responsibility of a non-profit organization. Needless to say, it was a wonderful experience. I also remained active in the Student Education Association and Student’s Serving Individuals with Disabilities.