CY CREEK EDUCATOR SELECTED AS NATIONAL STUDENT TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Lauren Hornbeak, a first-year biology teacher at Cypress Creek High School, was named the 2019 National Student Teacher of the Year by Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society in education, and the Association of Teacher Educators.

Lauren Hornbeak, a first-year biology teacher at Cypress Creek High School, was named the 2019 National Student Teacher of the Year by Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society in education, and the Association of Teacher Educators.

A 2019 graduate of Baylor University, Hornbeak served as a student teacher at Midway High School in Waco. The award recognizes one student teacher/intern who demonstrates the ability to develop classroom management skills and instructional strategies, establish relationships with students, parents, faculty and staff, and reflect powerfully on their experience.

As part of her application, she submitted a lesson on human body systems, which Hornbeak taught to a pre-AP Biology class.

“Lauren sought ways to understand the needs of each student and then designed lessons and experiences that would benefit the diverse learners in this classroom,” said Lisa Osborne, who served as the professional development site coordinator at Midway High School where she worked with campus teachers and administrators and Baylor faculty to coordinate clinical experiences for Baylor students completing their field experience requirements. “She is relational and student-centered, making her an excellent candidate for this honor.”

In addition to working in the classroom, Hornbeak invested in the local community. She volunteered with an afterschool program, served as a volleyball coach and coordinated a reading initiative.

“I know I will rely heavily on lessons created and implemented alongside my mentor during student teaching, and it is because of my intern experience that I walk into the classroom confident in my abilities,” Hornbeak said. “I will draw on my knowledge of differentiated instruction to meet the needs of every soul that I have the privilege of teaching.”

In addition to the honor, Hornbeak earned a $2,000 scholarship. She will speak at Kappa Delta Pi’s annual convention in October in Norfolk, Va.