Hello!

My name is Laurel Hagen, and I am very excited about the 2024-2025 school year! This is the start of my ninth year at Mathews Elementary. I spent five years as a Special Education Teacher, and I am beginning my fourth year working as a Pre-K Teacher with the amazing Pre-K team! It is a blessing to work with the most incredible students, families, and staff members here at Mathews, as well as in the Plano ISD community. 

I was born in Virginia but raised in Plano, Texas. I attended Shepard Elementary, Wilson Middle School, Vines High School, and graduated as a Plano Senior High Wildcat. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Development and a minor in Psychology from Stephen F. Austin State University.

During college, I originally planned on pursing a career to become a Certified Child Life Specialist and work with children and families in a hospital setting. During my senior year of college, I completed Medical City Children’s Hospital Child Life practicum. After graduating college, I worked as a Special Education Assistant for two years at Wilson Middle School. During those two years, I discovered my passion for Special Education, but I continued working toward becoming a Certified Child Life Specialist. I was accepted into the Child Life internship at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas. 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 decided to pursue my passion of teaching and working with children with special needs. I worked as a Special Education Assistant at Mathews Elementary for a semester while I completed my alternative teaching certification program and earned my EC-6 certification, Special Education EC-12 certification, and ESL certification. I have been at Mathews ever since!

In my spare time, I love spending time with my husband, family, and friends. My husband and I also have a dog. 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.