IRMO, S.C. — Nothing but praise for Mrs. Lauri Williams' 2nd grade students at River Springs Elementary School in Irmo.
For the past 22 years, Mrs. Williams has been in the same classroom helping children find their next adventure.
"I was a substitute teacher in college, and my first substitute job ever was in this classroom. So, all the way through college, when I was learning to be a teacher, I would always picture this as like my classroom," says Mrs. Williams.
After graduating from USC, Mrs. Williams knew teaching 2nd grade was her calling.
"It's the last grade before there are grades. I just want them to love learning before they leave me. So that grades aren't so scary when they come, " says Mrs. Williams.
And she's inspired an entire generation of students.
"She really is nice and each time she has a new class, she really just keeps going," says Abigail Connaker, a former student of Mrs. Williams.
"She was wonderful. She just brightened up my day when I was feeling sad. And she was wonderful. And I really loved her," says William Mosier, a former student of Mrs. Williams.
"I love the education part of it, but I also love watching them grow as humans and people. Just teaching them all of the reading and writing and math, but also the love for others and caring about others," says Mrs. Williams.
Mrs. Williams' son, Logan, is also a student at River Springs Elementary School.
"I love that she's so nice to me, and how she always helps if I need it," says Logan.
Logan is a five grader and knows first hand how important his mom is to her students.
"She's always helped her students through the hard times, and she's always been there for them. If they ever needed help, she would be the first person to swoop in and help," says Logan. "She's the best mom anywhere in this entire world."
"I tell my class every year, we're a family while we're here. This is a family for the next 180 days and beyond," says Mrs. Williams.
If you know a teacher like Mrs. Williams who deserves to be recognized for their hard work in the classroom you can nominate them by emailing us at TOW@WLTX.COM. Tell us what that educator is doing every day to go above and beyond in the classroom.
