A passion for learning is what led to Mrs. Laurel Auth’s passion for teaching. Now teaching four different classes in her first year at North Kingstown High School, Auth enjoys the challenge of mastering new tech programs, planning versatile lessons, and engaging with multifaceted curricula for Computer Science Essentials, Web Design, Game Design, and Intro to IT and Software Engineering.
Her classroom is always busy, with students across all four grades interacting with computers in various ways, completing programs, creating websites, and learning to understand the complexities of their software. A lot of their work is largely independent, but Auth guides them through each lesson, answering any questions they may have, while encouraging them to pursue their creative and innovative ideas.
She describes every day as a new opportunity to learn more about the technology she utilizes, help students develop their ideas, and see computer science from other perspectives. She is appreciative of NK’s learning environment and said, “This is the nicest group of students I’ve taught as a whole.”
Before coming to NK, Auth taught business classes at Coventry High School and math and STEM classes at Chariho High School. But Auth hasn’t always strived for a career in teaching. “In high school, the only thing I didn’t want to be was a teacher,” she said. “Life can really change.”
Auth is proof of this sentiment, as prior to teaching she was a part of the business world, where she was the lead data consultant for a large corporation. From there she became interested in computer science, and now thrives in combining her passions and passing them on to students.
As the school year continues, Auth hopes to better get to know the workings of the school. “I want to continue to learn about the culture of NK so I can discover where I can best help out,” she said.
Outside of teaching, Auth said, “I am passionate about my family. They are very important to me.” She has a husband and three children whom she loves to spend time with. She also loves sports, particularly volleyball, and she coaches the girls’ volleyball team in Westerly.
She believes that loving to learn is one of the most important qualities in a teacher. “I love my subjects but I really just love to learn new things, new ideas, and new perspectives,” she said. “And that is why I love to teach.”
