Gigi's Schoolhouse

My career in teaching began in 2005 when I completed my Bachelor's in Education from the University of Michigan. Throughout my teaching career, I have taught many grade levels and a variety of subjects. In 2012, I completed my Master's in Reading and Literacy and one day hope to earn my Doctorate.

Elementary: Workshop Model with small groups. "I do", "We do", "You do"; Jan Richardson Guided Reading; Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark testing; Daily Five by the Sisters. Middle Grades: Project-Based Learning Modules

Bachelor's Degree: Elementary Education - University of Michigan Master's Degree: Reading and Literacy - Walden University

I have experienced my fair share of good and bad teachers. I was greatly inspired by my high school choir teacher, who went above and beyond her teaching duties to make sure I was at school, performed to her expectations, and graduated. Thank You, Ms. Reich! I aspire to be like her and to be the opposite of those teachers who I felt gave me a negative perspective on teaching and school. One of the coolest experiences I've had as a teacher was working with a teacher who had ME in 2nd grade! She retired in 2013-2014 and I hope that I can continue to make her proud in my teaching endeavors! Happy Retirement, Mrs. McLaughen!

I am married to the love of my life, Anthony... We are going on 24 years of marriage and have two boys - Austen (27 years old) and Nicholas (21 years old). We have four puppers who bring much job and chaos to our daily life - Jubilee, Roscoe, Charlie, and Dexter. In 2020, we added a daughter-in-law to our family and in 2021, we were blessed with our first grandson! When we are not working, we enjoy spending time as a family - hiking, swimming, vacationing in different places, and of course, movie/game nights!