Laura Watson has always had a passion for education. One of her first jobs in high school was at a Montessori preschool. Since then she has experienced over 21 years of working with school-age children. She spent 12 years as a licensed teacher in both public and private school settings. Laura was a lead teacher at a National Blue Ribbon School, has conducted teacher in-service trainings, and participated in both science and writing curriculum- steering committees. Laura trained beginning teachers and student teachers, and always emphasized creating engaging activities that encouraged active student participation. She has also earned a Master's in Education from California State University, Fullerton.
Laura left her teaching career to raise her two children and help run her family business but always expected to return to education. Laura became less enthused about returning to public education as she witnessed the stress and anxiety building in her own children and her young employees as school demands increased, and their love of learning diminished. There was an enormous shift away from actively engaged students developing a love of learning to one of anxiety and depression as students became more pressured to improve performance at all costs.
Laura began developing ideas to revolutionize education programs and stumbled upon programs throughout the world that had similar philosophies. Learning is natural when one has an interest or desire to learn. Laura believes that the coercive nature of the current traditional school system has contributed to increased anxiety and depression among preteens, teens, and young adults and she is determined to provide an environment that gives students the freedom to learn what is important and/or relevant to them and develop themselves as humans rather than as workers. Laura’s mission is to help children with their own personal growth, so they live to their fullest potential instead of trying to meet someone else’s standards placed upon them.
Laura is a lifelong learner and her growth has included becoming an Amazon Best Selling Author, managing a women’s group, and volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters. She is an Adventures in Wisdom™ Life Coach for children ages 6-12, and loves working with youth to help them recognize their strengths and their unique contribution to the world.