laurie.sullivan@apsva.us, Author at K.W. Barrett

Author: laurie.sullivan@apsva.us

I teach Project Discovery, an Exemplary Project at Barrett. I've taught at Barrett for over 30 years and love our community! I graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB). My first teaching position was a second grade bilingual (Spanish) class in Santa Barbara. I was fortunate that the teacher in the classroom next to me was my master teacher from student teaching! She was a fabulous mentor for a beginning teacher. When a position opened at the elementary school where I attended as a child in Santa Barbara, I applied. I was hired as a 1st grade teacher. After three years teaching 1st and 2nd grade I moved to 3rd grade. It was exciting to be able to plan lessons with the third grade teacher next door to me, MY MOM! When I moved to Virginia with my husband I was hired to teach 4th grade and later Project Discovery. I completed a Master’s degree in Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning with an emphasis in Technology at George Mason University in 2003. Also in 2003 I was honored with representing all the dedicated teachers in Arlington as the Teacher of the Year. In 2004 I was selected as the Virginia Teacher of the Year. In May 2010 I earned my doctorate from George Mason University. I have two sons, Connor and Jackson. Jackson is serving our country in the United States Air Force and has been stationed in South Korea, Germany, and several bases in the United States. A memorable time for me was when Jackson attended elementary school here at Barrett! My oldest son Connor graduated from Virginia Tech with a double major in Engineering (Computer Science) and Mathematics. He is now working as a software developer. In 11th grade Connor completed the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) course and summer academy at NASA Langley, which is open to high school juniors in Virginia. Connor says VASTS was a life-changing experience and he highly recommends the program. Maybe some of our Barrett students will join the program when they are older! Some of my interests are NASA, nature, traveling and reading. Fun fact…My husband and I live across the street from my sister and we often have fun taking care of her cute dog named Luke.