Getting to Know MS Learning Specialist, Lauren Karstaedt

What's your story? How did you end up teaching at AVS?

I began my teaching career in Denver Public Schools as a special education teacher, working with students with Emotional Disabilities in a self-contained classroom, a role I was passionate about for eight years. After that, I transitioned into general education, supporting students through small group instruction for another three years at the same school. Eventually, I was ready for a new chapter, and my good friend Ms. B (beloved second-grade teacher at AVS!) convinced me to make the leap to San Francisco. That's how I found myself at a KIPP middle school in 2017 as their education specialist. I spent the next four years working regionally as a Special Education administrator, which taught me a lot but also made me realize how much I missed the daily connection with students. When Ms. B told me about this opportunity at AVS, it felt like the perfect fit, and here I am! I'm happy to be back working directly with students while also getting to support our teachers and administrators.

What do you do outside of school that recharges you?

I wish I could say that traveling or spending time with friends is what truly recharges me, but honestly? It's sleep. I've learned to intentionally carve out specific days during breaks and on weekends to simply rest or do absolutely nothing. That's really what helps me reset and feel ready to take on whatever comes next.

What's something about you that might surprise your students (or their parents)?

I'm still incredibly close with three friends I met back in middle school—we talk almost every single day.  I sometimes look at the friendships I see with our students and hope for them that they are still connected in 30 years!

What gets you most excited to come to work?

It's the kids. I genuinely get excited to be with them. There's always something I want to share or something I'm eager to hear about from their lives. I love the relationships I get to build with my students, and middle schoolers are truly fascinating people to work with!

What are some items on your bucket list?

My bucket list is mostly filled with travel destinations. Right now, Japan and Morocco are at the top, but I'm also working on visiting the last three states I haven't been to yet (Minnesota, North Dakota, and Vermont). I'll admit those have slightly less appeal for me at the moment, but if anyone wants to make a compelling case for them, I'm all ears!

What's on your nightstand or what are you watching/reading right now?

I’ve been slowly trying to get through Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver.  It’s a really good book but very long and very heavy.  I have a hard time reading it for relaxation so it has taken me a while, but I really love it. TV is a revolving door of bad reality shows (think Love Island), limited series mysteries on Apple TV or Netflix (currently bingeing The Beast in Me), and any time Denver Nuggets or Broncos are on!