Laura Cuipenski

I am in my 29th year of teaching children with different abilities. Children are gifts, and I am the lucky one to have had them in my life.

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Help me become America's Favorite Teacher, win $25,000, a trip to Hawaii, and appear in Reader's Digest!

Voting for the TOP 10 ends Thursday the 20th of March at 7PM PDT

One outstanding teacher will win $25,000, a feature in Reader's Digest, a trip to Hawaii, and a school assembly with Bill Nye!

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Tell us why you became a teacher

I was working as a Behavioral Specialist with adults at a day program when a co-worker informed me of an opening working with students with severe disabilities. I applied and got the job! I then went back to school to get my masters in teaching Special Education and have worked at the same school ever since!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I once had a little girl with autism come to my class on a 45 day evaluation. Her self stim behavior was scripting silly songs/verses and screaming extremely loud which was very disruptive to others and the building building. I found that working with her individually with manipulatives while simultaneously singing her silly songs quieted the screaming behavior and allowed her to engage in the learning. Working with her was exhausting but so rewarding to see her blossom.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I am a home baker and sell bread on the weekends. I would love to add a commercial mixer and bread oven to my micro bakery.

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