Meet the Teacher

Laura Christian

🍎 Middle School Teacher

🧠 Neurodivergent Educator & Advocate

💬 AAC & Communication Advocate

Hello! My name is Laura, and I am honored to be part of your child’s middle school journey. I hold a master’s degree in linguistics with TESOL (teaching speakers of other languages) certification and have a strong background in math and biomedical engineering. I grew up in a hearing world with Signed Exact English. I was introduced to ASL in college and immediately fell in love with the visual spatial communication ability. My path to teaching grew from a deep interest in language, learning, and the many different ways people communicate, process information, and understand the world.

As an AuDHD (autistic + ADHD) educator, I hold deep appreciation for the many ways brains can learn, communicate, regulate, and problem-solve. My own neurodivergent identity, along with my professional experience, has helped shape my commitment to a CARE approach for teaching:

💬 Communicate: ASL, picture symbols, AAC, drawing, showing, role playing - whatever works is what we do

💡 Assume competence: believe in the person inside the body and create access to show what they know

🌱 Regulate to learn: nervous systems, bodies, and brains need to be calm and connected in order to learn

🔎 Explore: help students discover and advocate for what works for their own brains and bodies

I teach because I believe every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported in ways that match their unique journey. I care deeply about creating a classroom where students can discover their strengths and develop meaningful connection to the school environment, peers, and culture. In addition to academics, our class focuses on building problem-solving skills, developing independence and communication, and working through meaningful challenges.

My goal as an educator is to build confidence, curiosity, and connection. I want students to gain not only academic and functional skills, but also the understanding that their voice matters and there is more than one valid way to learn, communicate, and contribute.

Please feel free to reach out at any time. I am here to support you and your student.

About Me:

☕ I believe coffee makes the world go round.

🐙 My favorite animal is an octopus.

🤟 TSD has been part of my life for 25 years.

🌍 I enjoy learning about different cultures and traditions.

Contact Information:
📧 Email: [email protected]

💬 MS Contact Information: V: 512-462-5491 | VP: 512-410-1017 | Text: 512-763-2652
📸 MS instagram: @tsdmiddleschool

Quote:
✨ “Be yourself — everyone else is already taken.”
— Oscar Wilde