About Lauren
I'm originally from Plymouth, MI and have been a resident of Royal Oak since 2015. Professionally, I have been a public school educator for ten years and have taught at both the middle school and high school levels. While I enjoy learning and teaching about the US Government the most, I have also taught US Civics, World History, and AP Comparative Government. I have been a proud member of the Michigan Education Association and I am currently a member of their Strategy Team on Gun Violence Prevention in Schools. In addition to my classroom commitments, I have served on Oxford Community Schools' Curriculum Review Committee and it's Diversity Team to ensure that ALL students were receiving the best education possible.
I received both my Bachelor's degree in Social Relations and Policy and Secondary Education and my Master's Degree in Teaching and Curriculum from Michigan State University. Go Green! Outside of work, I am an active member of the Royal Oak Area Democratic Club. After serving as a board member, I became the Chair of the club in 2019 and work to support democracy locally and across Michigan. I am also a current member of the Royal Oak Public Library Board. |
Policy priorities
School Safety and mental healthI was a teacher in the building at Oxford High School during the shooting on November 30th, 2021. I understand first hand how our prior ALICE training helped save lives, but I also see the incredible importance of trauma-informed education and recovery resources are to a district facing a crisis. I think that my experience and insight will be helpful to a district as we move forward and discuss both prevention and recovery plans.
That being said, school safety is very much about the culture that exists in a district. Equal effort and attention needs to be put into programs that support diverse programming, promote the learning of ALL students, and create spaces that are accessible (physically, emotionally, and financially). Schools have the incredible responsibility to protect both the physical and psychological safety of students and they need to both be considered when making decisions. Finally, I am not in favor of any measures that would turn schools from places of learning into places that resemble prisons. |
student centered curriculumI want to continue to see the growth and progress that Royal Oak has dedicated to it's students in the last decade. The decision to incorporate the International Baccalaureate Programme shows an investment in global and skills-based education to prepare our students to successfully enter an ever-changing workforce.
With the increasing stress created by the cost of college and an uncertain economic landscape, I want to ensure that the district continues to elevate and celebrate options for students after their K-12 education that aren't necessarily a two or four year degree. I hope to continue to support and seek additional opportunities for students such as the Oakland Technical and Career Center, Early College, and virtual options for students. |
proactive solutionsI think that it is unfortunate that educators do not often serve in decision making roles for school districts. I hope to bring different insight and training than other parents or community members currently have.
I hope to be a voice for students and staff so that decisions can be made that are in the best interest of all who are impacted by them. When solutions are created from the top of an institution, there are sometimes practical and logistical concerns that are overlooked. I plan on being an accessible and visible part of the Royal Oak Schools Community and hope to have regular dialogue with students and staff so that all stakeholders feel seen, heard, and understood. One idea I would like to see the School Board explore is placing a student representative in an advisory position to meet regularly with the board. |
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JasinskiForROSB@gmail.com
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