Favorite Parts of Being an Associate Director of Professional Learning at Rocketship Public Schools
Lauren, Associate Director of Professional Learning at Rocketship Public Schools, thrives on the variety inherent in the role, stating "each day is completely different," and values the autonomy to pursue impactful projects, such as improving teacher onboarding, while maintaining a fulfilling work-life balance that allows for both professional success and parental involvement.
Project Management, Leadership, Work-Life Balance, Professional Development, Impact
Advizer Information
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Lauren Keough
Associate Director of Professional Learning
Rocketship Public Schools
UCLA - 2008
Lehman College - CUNY (2010) - Masters of Arts in Social Studies Education & Stanford University (2019) - Masters in Policy, Organization & Leadership Studies
History, Art History
Education
Education
Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Varied daily tasks: The role offers a dynamic work environment with no two days being the same.
2. Freedom to explore projects: Lauren enjoys the autonomy to identify and develop projects based on her interests and the needs of the organization.
3. Impactful work: Lauren finds fulfillment in designing and implementing professional development initiatives that directly improve teaching practices and impact educators and school leaders. She values seeing the positive effects of her work and receiving gratitude for it.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
I really like how each day is completely different. I'm never bored in this role, which is important to me. I'm not the kind of person who can do the same thing every day and be satisfied with that.
I also get a lot of freedom to explore projects that interest me. For example, I noticed we needed help onboarding new teachers to our region, and no one was really responsible for that. I have the freedom to step into that, and that's very cool.
I also enjoy planning and executing professional learning experiences. I like that on a structural level, I can actually change practice for our educators and school leaders. It's neat to see that practice change and have them express gratitude; it's cool to feel that impact.
As I said before, I really like being in charge of structuring my own time. Right now, I have a toddler, and I can balance my work and feel like I'm good at what I do, while still being the involved parent I want to be. This can be hard, and it's something I thought about long before I had kids. This is the kind of role where I think I can still feel professionally fulfilled, and also focus on other parts of my life that are equally, if not more, important. I'm able to do them.