Teacher Talk: Sarah Laudner

by Chelsey Moore

At the start of this school year, a new program began called the Parallel Program. The Parallel Program is a preventive intervention program designed to keep kids from dropping out, prepare them for life after high school and allow them to receive a Montezuma diploma. This program offers an alternative route to graduate from MHS. 

The head of this program is Sarah Laudner.  Laudner came from Rockwell, Iowa, to teach at Montezuma High School.

She said, “The main things I enjoy about my job now is the ability to help high school kids get through the daily struggles of school and look beyond MHS into their careers of choice.” 

Before teaching here, Laudner taught at Walnut Community School District in Walnut, Iowa, and did Title 1 reading. 

Her second year was at BCLUW Community School District in  Conrad, Iowa.  She was a second grade teacher for four years. This is now her fifth year as a teacher. 

She took this position because it was the chance to do something different.

She said, “I like helping students regardless of age. My previous position was teaching second grade, so this is quite different! Rather than teaching the basics of each subject, I am now helping high school students with their post-secondary plans.”

She chose to become a teacher because of her experiences in high school.  

She really liked working with kids and participated in peer helping. During college, she had the opportunity to be in a classroom helping with students often.

Laudner notes that there are many perks to teaching in Montezuma. 

One of the highlights of working in this district is the feeling of community that surrounds the school.

Laudner said, “ I enjoy Montezuma High School because of the small school atmosphere where teachers and administrators can work together towards student growth. The staff is wonderful and the community of Montezuma is supportive of the school.”