Laura Gilchrist

Laura Gilchrist teaches 6th grade Science and Social Studies at New Mark Middle School. Professional Development Trailblazer, Missouri Edchat Community Leader, and Champion of Innovation and Learner Voice, Laura has built a reputation for connecting people and ideas and for making things happen. In 2014 Laura was honored with the following awards: Teacher of the Year in the North Kansas City School District, Christa McAuliffe Pioneer in Education Award from the Northland Chamber of Commerce, Stars of the Classroom honoree from the Missouri Lottery and the Kansas City Royals, and BAMMY! finalist for Middle School Teacher. As co-organizer of EdcampKC and founder of edcamp learning at her own school, Laura is passionate about teacher-driven professional development. She believes strongly that teacher learning is just as important as student learning since teachers are the lead learners and role models for kids. She uses technology choices to empower her students in collaborative project based learning. Laura insists daily that her students are the leaders of TODAY and she empowers them BE leaders in her classroom, school, and community. Laura is working to connect schools to her city through conversations at CityCampKC, 1 Million Cups, and KCEdu, a education spinoff of 1MC from summer 2014. Laura uses enthusiasm, puns, and passion to build relationships with her students. These relationships form the foundation for not only cognitive, but also behavioral and emotional growth in her kids! *BirdGeek. * ConservationGeek*