Hello!

My name is Laurel Hagen, and I am very excited about the 2022-2023 school year! This is the start of my seventh year at Mathews Elementary. I spent five years as a Special Education Teacher, and this will be my second year working as a Pre-K Teacher with the incredible Pre-K team! I feel very blessed to work with the most incredible students, families, and team members here at Mathews.  

I was born in Virginia but raised in Plano. I started as a Shepard Patriot, went on to become a Wilson Ram, then a Vines Viking, and graduated as a Plano Senior High Wildcat in 2009 😊. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Development and a minor in Psychology from Stephen F. Austin State University (Axe’em Jacks!) in 2013.

I was originally on the path to become a Child Life Specialist and work with children and families in the hospital. I completed my practicum at Medical City Children’s hospital in Dallas during my senior year of college. After graduating, I worked as a special education assistant for two years at Wilson Middle School. During those two years, I discovered my passion for working in the classroom in the special education field, but I continued on the path to become a Child Life Specialist. I was accepted into the Child Life internship at Children’s Memorial Hermann hospital in Houston. I began the internship, and during my time in the hospital I realized how much I missed teaching and working with children in the classroom setting. I took a leap of faith and decided to pursue my passion of teaching and working with children with special needs. I worked as a special education assistant at Mathews for a semester while I completed my alternative certification program and earned my EC-6 certification, Special Education EC-12 certification, and ESL certification. I have been at Mathews ever since! It is a joy and gift getting to work with the amazing children, families, and educators we have in our Mathews and Plano ISD community!

In my spare time, I love spending time with my wonderful husband Andy, family, and friends. My husband and I also have a dog named Rhett. He is a very sweet and energetic Vizsla who keeps us busy. In past summers, I have enjoyed working with Plano ISD’s ESY (Extended School Year) and PAL summer school programs.

I am looking forward to working with you and your child as we celebrate a year full of joy, learning, and growth! It is truly an honor to be their teacher.