by Addison Coffey

Reporter

Blue Springs South welcomes Laurie Crawford to its English department this year, where she’s teaching ninth grade and helping students grow academically and personally.

“I wanted to work at Blue Springs South because of the focus on academics and helping prepare students for their futures after high school,” Crawford said. “I was drawn to this school because of its commitment to celebrating and supporting the diversity of the student population.”

Before entering the classroom, Crawford worked in the mental health field—a background that continues to inform her teaching. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Missouri, a master’s in counseling from Webster University, and a master’s in teaching from the University of Central Missouri.

“I like helping students learn to think critically about the world around them through reading and writing,” she said. “Some things we read allow people to see themselves in the pages, which everyone deserves. Other things allow them to see what other lives are like, building empathy and compassion—which everyone needs.”

Outside of school, Crawford is a devoted mother of three. Her oldest son is a senior at Missouri State University in Springfield, her daughter is a sophomore at Metropolitan Community College, and her youngest son is a senior at Grain Valley High School. She also shares her home with a beloved dog.

“Being a single mom is hard, but my kids motivate every day to be the best mom and person I can be.”