Her Story
About Laurie
Laurie Denning serves as a Lead Preschool Teacher in a learning differences classroom for neurotypical pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students. Her professional background includes several years as a registered behavior therapist working with children on the autism spectrum and those experiencing speech delays, both in home and clinic settings. She earned her bachelor's degree in early childhood education and leadership from Rasmussen University in 2025 after beginning her career as a paraprofessional in early childhood education. Denning emphasizes social-emotional development, behavior regulation, and collaboration with therapy teams to support families, drawing on more than 15 years of experience in the field since 2017. She is motivated by the desire to help children learn differently and bridge gaps for families navigating developmental challenges.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Laurie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would attribute my success to the first teacher I met, Kim Kors, who was wonderful with the littles and parents, genuine, and made differences even when it was hard. She lit the fire under me. Also my kids and husband who motivated me, saying I had the patience and could get my bachelor's.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If it's your passion, teaching is a wonderful job. There is a lot of self-reward in it if you do it for the right reason. There are breakthrough days and parents saying thank you. If you have the drive and passion, know that it's not going to go wasted. Someone's gotta stand up for the families and the kiddos.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Establishing work-life balance, which I realized through school in a self-care class. Valuing the other people you work with, their opinions and experiences, even if they don't have a degree. Value honesty, self-worth, and being transparent. We're all educators trying to do the same thing.
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