SPRING LAKE, Mich. — The nomination for our next Teacher of Week praised this kindergarten teacher for all the love and dedication she pours into her students. We got to shower her with some of that love during the surprise.
When asked how it made her feel, Lauren Scholtz, said, “Just amazing and very loved. Super honored. I’m a very emotional person.”
Kevin Tays is the Jeffers Elementary School interim principal. He told 13 ON YOUR SIDE, “It’s so amazing to recognize amazing teachers.”
“I love what I do, and it can be really hard. It’s a really tough profession and when people notice, it means a lot,” said Scholtz.
She’s been part of the Spring Lake community from the start.
“I was actually born and raised in Spring Lake. I went to Jeffers,” she said. “This is my elementary and I’ve lived about two miles away from it my whole life.”
She’s known she’s wanted to be a teacher almost as long as she’s been living in Spring Lake.
Scholtz explained she “went into teaching because I just knew my whole life that’s what I wanted to do. I love children. They’re just amazing humans.”
Especially her kindergartners. She said, “They’re so sweet and so kind, and they love school, and they want to be here, and I think they deserve to have a really strong education.”
Scholtz was mentored by those who have gone from teachers to colleagues.
“I had a fabulous teacher who still teaches here, Mrs. Ball, and then I was in high school, and I worked with Mrs. Taylor, and she still works here, as well. She’s actually one of my coworkers. So, it’s just always been full circle.”
Principal Tays said, “We are so fortunate to have somebody like Lauren. It’s an amazing honor that she can give back to where she grew up and she already has so many amazing relationships with all the people around and she knows what it takes to keep Spring Lake a wonderful place to be in.”
13 ON YOUR SIDE is hoping this honor of Teacher of the Week makes her feel even more appreciated.
“I think all teachers should feel that. It does break my heart a little bit that people decide to leave teaching and kind of lose that passion because I do think that sometimes they’re not feeling that,” said Scholtz.
“We know when we leave at the end of the day when you’ve made a kid smile and they’re happy and they know that they’re safe. You know inside, but to hear those things – teachers are humble people. So, they’re not going to go out and say, ‘oh look at all the things I’m doing.’ So, when they’re recognized, it’s extra special,” said Principal Tays.
If you have someone you’d like to nominate as our next Teacher of the Week, just text the word “teacher” to 616-559-1310.