Laura Giering
My name is Laura Giering. This is my 11th year teaching in a cyber setting, but my first year at AHCCS. Although I was at a different cyber charter school, I knew I needed a change, and AHCCS was just what I was looking for! I became a teacher to help students learn and grow. I never thought I would teach in a cyber setting, but it has truly been the best choice I made for myself, as well as for my students. The families I have met along the way have been nothing short of amazing. I know education can be hard, not just for us teachers, but also for students and their families. When I see the light return for them once they receive the care and attention they need, it reminds me all over again why I chose this profession.
When I was in first grade, I had a teacher who truly saw me—she saw me for who I was, not just as another student. She took the time to help me outside of school hours when she saw the district letting me sink. All these years later, I still remember her and the way she made me feel. If I can be that teacher, even just for one student, then everything I’ve done to become a teacher has been worth the time and effort.
Personal Bio
One of the biggest reasons I became a Special Education teacher was to help kids who were like me. Growing up, I always struggled in school. I knew there was something wrong, but I always just flew under the radar (except for my first-grade teacher’s radar). It wasn’t until I was in college that I had a professor sit with me and ask me some questions about myself. At the time, I thought they were slightly odd questions, and it wasn’t until later that I realized what she was doing. I was diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, and Dyslexia when I was in college. I want to say I was shocked, but so much made sense once I understood WHY I struggled.
Being a Special Education teacher allows me to connect with so many students and families because I truly do understand where many of them are coming from. I understand the frustration and uncertainty. It also helps me with my own children. I have a daughter with ASD/ADHD and a son with ADHD/Dyslexia. I choose to share this information because it does more good than hiding who I am and why I function the way I do. Over the years, I have had students open up to me and make deeper connections because of this, and I will continue to do just that.
When people ask me what my hobbies are, I often tell them I don’t have time for my own hobbies because I’m always running around to my kids’ sporting events. The truth is, my hobby is teaching, and I am lucky enough to do that every day!
Professional Bio
YEAR STARTED WITH ACHIEVEMENT HOUSE: 2025
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Science- Early Childhood and Special Education
Masters of Education- Literacy
Robert Morris University
Orton-Gillingham Certified
JOB TITLE: Special Education Teacher
