Mathews Elementary School 2026

Lauren Wilson

Mathews Elementary School - 1st Grade Elementary Teacher 
E-mail congrats

Teaching Philosophy

One of my favorite quotes is “You learn something every day. Some days you’ll bring it home in your hands. Some days you’ll bring it home in your head. Some days you’ll bring it home in your heart.” Unfortunately, I never wrote down who to attribute this quote to and Google is no help! I try to embody this quote each and every day. Learning is multifaceted and this quote shows how education isn't confined to formal settings or even the four walls of my classroom; it happens constantly through various experiences.

As the quote says, some days you’ll bring it home in your hands. My hope is for my students to acquire not only practical skills and tangible knowledge, but physical objects that they can hold and use as well; much of the learning that occurs in my classroom is hands-on. Each and every day, students are manipulating letters during phonics instruction, showing their learning with collaborative projects during Inquiry & Innovation and in the STEAM room; as well as counting, measuring, sorting, grouping, comparing, composing/decomposing and more during math. Movement boosts cognitive functions like focus, memory, and problem-solving for students and it is an integral part of our day.

Continuing with the quote, some days you’ll bring it home in your head. This speaks to understanding concepts, new facts, and ideas. The very best part of teaching for me is when you see the connections students make and the “lightbulb moments”. First grade is such a huge year of growth and development, especially in reading. My absolute favorite part of being a first-grade teacher is when students come in as non-readers or emergent readers and by the end of the year, they are confident, independent readers. There is nothing like watching a student read a sentence or an entire book independently by themselves for the first time. It’s hard to tell who gets more excited, me or them! I love teaching my students the connections between what we are learning and for them to make their own connections as well. Our vocabulary words in Language Arts tie to what we are discussing in Inquiry and Innovation and you better believe we can connect them to Math as well. As a proud Plano ISD alumnus (Saigling, Haggard, Vines, PSHS Class of 2001), it was ingrained in me early and often how important it is to be a life-long learner. I model for my students that I am a life-long learner and I want them to love learning as much as I do. I have had many opportunities in my career to continue learning and better myself as an educator. I worked with Elementary Academic Services to write first grade science curriculum, which deepened my understanding and knowledge of the TEKS, which I was able to bring back to my classroom. In 2023, I was part of the elementary Science textbook adoption committee and I am currently part of the elementary Math textbook adoption committee. Being part of the teams that evaluate and recommend new resources that our students district-wide will utilize has allowed me to refine my skills in numerous ways.

Finally, some days you’ll bring it home in your heart. Building relationships is truly the heart of teaching. I strive to create a classroom environment in which children learn to care and respect themselves and others. Each and every one of my students knows they are loved and cared for in my classroom - and even when they leave my classroom! I started teaching Kindergarten in 2006 and 20 years later, I still keep in contact with many former students from both campuses I have taught at.

I am lucky to have a wonderful team, amazing colleagues and administrators past and present who encourage me to be a better teacher and a better human being. Who I am as a teacher is because of the lessons I have learned from dedicated educators throughout my life and whose lessons I will forever carry in my hands, head and heart.

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Principal's Recommendation

Dear Teacher of the Year Selection Committee:

It is a distinct honor to recommend Lauren Wilson for Plano ISD's Teacher of the Year. Having worked alongside Lauren for the past four years at Mathews Elementary, I have witnessed firsthand how she serves as the heart of our school community—sturdy, dependable, and vital to the growth of everyone around her.

Lauren's connection to this district is not merely professional; it is foundational. Her roots run deep into the soil of Plano ISD, beginning as a student at Saigling, Haggard, Vines, and Plano Senior High. This lifelong connection has provided her with a unique perspective and an unshakable grounding in our community's values. Long before she led a classroom, she was nurturing the growth of others through the YMCA and babysitting, a precursor to the 19-year career she has since cultivated.

For 16 of her 19 years in education, Lauren has deepened her roots at Mathews Elementary. As our First Grade Team Leader, she acts as the primary branch from which many of our initiatives grow. She doesn't just manage; she mentors. Whether serving as a student mentoring facilitator or a guide for new teachers, she ensures that those around her have the support they need to reach their full potential.

In the "garden" of her first-grade classroom, Lauren witnesses the most profound seasonal shifts. She celebrates the huge learning connections and leaps in growth that define this pivotal year. To Lauren, every student is a sapling with unique needs, and she is tireless in ensuring they have the nutrients—both academic and emotional—to thrive.

Lauren's impact extends far beyond the four walls of her classroom. She is grounded in the essential work of the district, contributing to curriculum writing and instructional material adoption committees. Within our building, she challenges us to support our students, staff, and community. For example, she is an active participant in our Sunshine events, she organizes social activities outside of school, creates moments for staff to come together like walking challenges, and thinks creatively to promote events like the district canned food drive. However, her most impressive "root system" is her relationship with her students. You will often find her in the community attending youth sports games, dance performances, and student celebrations. These connections do not wither when a student moves to the next grade; Lauren remains a steady presence in the lives of former families, watching her former students grow into successful adults.

Lauren's own growth was fostered by the educators who came before her— her fifth-grade teachers at Saigling and the professors who modeled the art of the read-aloud. Today, she pays that debt forward. Her classroom is a protected ecosystem—a happy, safe space where children feel secure enough to take risks. She provides the structural support necessary for every child to face "hard things" with confidence.

Here's what some of Lauren's colleagues say about her:

Lauren is very supportive of her team and our school. She is always willing to step in and help or assist when needed. She is always positive and is a wonderful role model for our students.

I have experience working closely with Mrs. Wilson last year and this year with two of our chronic health condition children. She is always willing to help and learn and makes herself available when I need her the most. She is also a huge advocate for her kids to be in class learning.

Lauren is a dedicated and passionate educator committed to fostering meaningful learning experiences and supporting the development of every learner. I believe that teaching is not just a profession but a lifelong mission that requires integrity, continuous growth, and genuine care for students. She has always gone above and beyond for our campus and to grow in our profession.

She is very dedicated to her students. She is constantly working hard to best serve them to help them get what they need to succeed!

Ms. Wilson purposefully chose education because serving children is her true north. Rooted in Plano, branching out in leadership, and grounded in a genuine love for her students, she represents the very best of Mathews Elementary. Teachers of this caliber are rare; she is the heartwood of our school, and we are fortunate to grow alongside her.

Sincerely,

Wendy Miller
Principal
Mathews Elementary School