Hi! I am Laura Fernandez, a career educator from Costa Rica. I am passionate about promoting children's natural curiosity to learn and explore in a safe environment where respect and kindness prevail. Some of my earliest and happiest memories were in the CDS elementary classrooms that I attended myself, and where I learned the skills I focus on today in my classroom. I aim to continue these types of great interactions while teaching foundational skills to my young students.
I graduated with honors from Edgewood College in Wisconsin with a degree in International Relations and Economics. I later decided to pursue a Master's degree in Bilingual/Bicultural Education at Depaul University in Chicago.
I continued my career at a Dual Language public school in Chicago for two years teaching 2nd grade in both English and Spanish. After ten years in the United States, it was time to bring my teaching experience and passion back home to Costa Rica and return to where it all started at my first choice school, Country Day. I am now starting my 14th year at CDS as an elementary teacher. Besides being a classroom teacher, I have been a member of the Math Leadership Team, led the Student Council, and hosted student-teachers in my classroom. I also have led a S.T.E.A.M and S.T.E.A.Mettes after school club and am currently working on my certification in Inclusive Leadership. I am a mother of two young boys that take full advantage of what Country Day School offers and I strive to be proactive in the school community.