by Maddie Mellen
New Prairie High School welcomes Lauren VanGoey to its staff. VanGoey came in only after winter break, taking the business classes and college and classes under her wing.
VanGoey is from San Diego, known as “America’s Finest City.” She moved all the way to the cold, northern part of Indiana when she was 30 years old.
“I didn’t choose teaching; it chose me,” said VanGoey.
VanGoey is going into her thirteenth year teaching. She first worked at Wawasee High School, transitioned to Mishawaka High School, and of course made her way to New Prairie.
VanGoey was in need of a job after she finished her undergraduate degree in marketing and advertising. She started substitute teaching for Mishawaka and the first day she got to go on a field trip to the South Bend Symphony. When she looked out into the audience, that’s when she realized she wanted to become a teacher. She went to Bethel College that day and signed up for the Transition to Teaching Program. Since, she’s completed a minor in Social Studies Education and completed her Master's in Curriculum and Educational Technology from Ball State.
“So far things are going good,” said VanGoey. Even though she started not too long ago, she’s liking things here and has adjusted well. She plans on staying here as a teacher for long term.
“I am interested in working with the FBLA students. Mrs. Davis is sponsoring that club this year. I wouldn't mind helping her where I could,” VanGoey said. She wants to help with an already existing club, but would also like to get a couple of her own clubs’ started.
“I would also like to get a really good marketing program here using the technology we have. Interactive Media is also an area that I want to grow,” VanGoey stated. Hopefully, she can get those up and running soon.
She also mentioned that the use of iPads has not negatively affected her teaching at all.
Hopefully VanGoey will have an amazing future with her years in the New Prairie United School Corporation.