Meet a Maverick: Lori Larson

Clay Central/Everly's Lori Larson has been teaching in the district for 29 years. Her career in education started at Trinity Preschool in Spencer before teaching Head Start in Royal and having her own Town and Country preschool for a few years. She started in the middle school at CC/E for five years and later transitioned to elementary.

Larson was asked to apply at the middle school by the principal, who thought she would be a good fit.

"At the time I was teaching and running my own preschool out of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. My mother was my associate," Larson recalled.

Larson loves her career choice at CC/E. In the beginning, she worked with teachers and administrators Mr. Gustin, Mr. Eckard, Mr. McDonnell, Mrs. Schmidt, Mrs. Gustin, Mrs. Jeppeson and Mrs. Amis.

"I have had the opportunity to work with Mrs. Cronk and Mrs. Jobst. They are both passionate about teaching kids," she said. "They go above and beyond!"

Larson doesn't save her passions and talents for the classroom. She has also coached every junior high girls' sport with the guidance of the late Mr. Jim McDonnell. She was also tutored by Lance Kruse how to drive the school bus in order to take kids to the games.

"Buses weren't automatic then and it was always an adventure," she said.

Larson also coached high school volleyball for five years before her first child was born.

"I had the privilege to coach my sister, niece and cousin. They were in high school at the same time. It made it interesting," Larson recalled.

Larson has coached high school softball and was assistant coach in high school basketball, and felt blessed to have coached both of her daughters during that time.

"It was a great experience to coach with Mattie while we coached Emma in softball," Larson said. "I suppose not too many mothers and daughters get that kind of opportunity. I will never forget the laughter, tears and coaching the last season ever for CC/E."

This year Larson is just excited to be in school. After 23 years in the same room, she had the opportunity to switch classrooms and now has one with a view.

"I love creating a room that is calm and safe for the kids," she said. "I love to watch kids work and how they work at solving problems. It can tell us a lot."

Larson is looking forward to their annual second grade Omaha Zoo trip at the end of the school year. Their classroom loves to read, research and write about various animals with studies done on each animal's habitat and other interesting facts.

"It is quite the adventure getting on the bus a little after 6 a.m. and returning home around 7 p.m.," she said.

Larson noted that every year brings new changes to teaching as a whole.

"Every class brings unique personality to your classroom. That is why I love it," she said. "It is different each day and you see kids grow during the year. It is so much fun to see the light bulb come on or for them to feel confident."

Larson loves the bond she has formed with the people and families in the district over the years.

"The best thing is when a former student stops you and starts talking about a book that we read in class, projects we did, or the 'remember when...?' " said Larson.

Larson credits Audrey Schmidt as her first mentor in education. She was Larson's kindergarten teacher and also helped her later on in her teaching career.

"She was always loving and helpful when I was 5 years old and when I was 30-something years old," Larson said. "She made learning and teaching fun!"

Larson's coaching mentors were Mr. Eckard and Mr. McDonnell.

"I probably wouldn't have survived without Mr. Eckard helping me," she said. "He was about the kids and the experience. I enjoyed working with him. Mr. McDonnell's advice was to toughen up. They both told me no matter what you do not everyone will be happy. You just have to do what you think is best."

Another mentor Larson mentions fondly is former CC/E teacher, Lynn Cronk.

"She was a fantastic teacher and teaching partner to work with for over 20 years," Larson said. "I learned so much from her and to this day am privileged to carry on some of her traditions she started in her classroom."

Larson finds something special and extremely enjoyable about teaching within the walls of the same school she graduated from.

"I am now teaching some of the children's children that I taught years ago," she said. "I don't think it makes me old, it makes me blessed."