Faculty Feature | Laura Stevens

Name: Laura Stevens P'22, '23
Current role & department: Lower School Faculty, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Year you started at Albany Academy: 1998
Alma mater(s) and degrees: SUNY Oneonta, BS in Elementary Ed; SUNY Albany, MS in Early Childhood Literacy

What inspired you to become a teacher?

"My high school child development teacher, Mrs. Bury, inspired me to become a teacher. She was a kind and understanding person who always made her students feel valued and supported. She created a classroom environment where everyone felt safe to learn, ask questions, and grow. Her patience, encouragement, and genuine care for her students showed me the kind of impact a teacher can have. Watching the difference she made in my life and in the lives of others motivated me to pursue a career in education so I could provide that same support and inspiration to my own students."

What strategies do you use to spark student engagement and creativity in your classroom?

"In Pre-K, I spark engagement and creativity by making learning playful, hands-on, and meaningful. I design centers and activities that encourage exploration, imagination, and discovery, whether children are building, creating art, or experimenting with materials. I use open-ended questions to spark curiosity and give students plenty of choice so they can follow their own interests. Most importantly, I create a nurturing environment where every child feels safe to take risks, share ideas, and feel proud of their work. When children feel confident and valued, their creativity truly shines."

What is a fun or unexpected fact about you?

"A fun fact about me is that I was born on my brother’s birthday! We are five years apart, so we’ve always shared the same special day. It has made birthdays extra meaningful (and a little extra fun!) in our family."

Favorite movie?

"My favorite movie growing up was Grease. It brings back such special memories of watching it with my cousins and my aunt. The music, energy, and fun of it always take me right back to those moments together."
 

What's your favorite Albany Academy tradition? 

"My favorite tradition at Albany Academy is Pre-K Author’s Day. It’s such a special time for the children to share the books they’ve created throughout the school year with their families. Watching their pride and excitement as they become 'authors and illustrators' is truly heartwarming and a wonderful celebration of their growth, creativity, and confidence."

How do you see students growing or evolving during their time at Academy?

 "At Albany Academy, I see students grow in so many remarkable ways. In Pre-K, children start by exploring the world around them, developing curiosity, independence, and confidence in their abilities. As they progress, they build social skills, learn to collaborate, and express themselves creatively. Over the years, students develop critical thinking, resilience, and a love of learning that carries them through every stage of their education. It’s inspiring to watch them transform from curious beginners into confident, capable, and compassionate learners ready to take on new challenges."
 

What’s something you’re especially proud of in your career?

"One of the highlights of my career was receiving the Excellence in Teaching Award at Albany Academy. It was truly an honor to be recognized for my dedication, passion, and commitment to my students."

Anything else you'd like to share?

"One of the greatest privileges of my life has been having both of my children, Sean and Matthew, attend Albany Academy from Preschool through 12th grade. Watching them learn, grow, and thrive within the same community where I teach has been incredibly meaningful and has deepened my appreciation for the Academy’s lasting impact on students and families."