Background
My name is Laura Hanley and I am proud to be a first grade teacher at Noble Avenue Elementary School. I have taught kindergarten thru second grade and am currently in my eighth year of teaching. Teaching and engaging my students in meaningful activities is my favorite pastime, but I also enjoy reading, hiking, watching movies, and making scrapbooks.

I grew up in West Hills, California, and stayed in the valley until going away to college in San Diego in 1997. I have known many of my closest friends since kindergarten and earlier on than that. I am the youngest of three children in my family. My brother James (J.D.) is an administrative assistant at Pinecrest Elementary School and has an amazing, amiable personality. My eldest brother, Walt, is an extremely talented general contractor in Portland, Oregon. I am fortunate to have a beautiful and sweet fourteen-year old niece, Hailey, and an intelligent and witty eleven-year old nephew, Dakota. I attribute all good things in my life to the constant love and support that I receive from my parents and friends.

Teaching Philosophy
The “wind beneath my wings” when teaching is my attitude that every child can learn, be successful, and contribute to the productiveness and achievements of my classroom. Within my classroom environment, excellence is expected and cultivated. The core of my classroom environment is to foster individuality, analytical discussions and debates, and activities that encourage the kids to be creative and use critical thinking skills.

I am a firm believer that the development of the whole child, including the integration of the arts, character development, historical and cultural perspective, and scientific inquiry, are essential in being an effective teacher. My goal year after year is to inspire my students to be life long learners who are confident, curious, and proud to be themselves. Finally, in my classroom, it is essential that learning be interesting and fun, otherwise, why would anyone want to engage in it?