Lara Landrum
Library and Primary Academy
View All Team Members
Meet Lara
When you were five, what did you dream of becoming?
I wanted to write books and still do!
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
I have two pygora fiber goats: Snow and Storm. While I shear them regularly and am storing their scrumptious fibers, I’ve yet to process the fiber into a yarn that I can knit up into something fabulous.
What inspired you to work in education?
My first job out of college was teaching Spanish at an incredible Montessori school in Santa Barbara, CA. I had intended this to be an interlude before getting my PhD in Latin American literature and spending my life in academia. However, within the first two weeks, my professional goals had changed. I was so moved by how curious and enthusiastic my students were to learning about the world and how to contribute positively to it. It was a very easy and natural decision to shift to early childhood education and literacy.
What was your favorite book or story as a child?
No way am I going to chose “a” favorite! My most beloved picture books were Dr. Seuss’s ABC and Goodnight Moon. Favorite chapter books were The BFG, Five Children and It, and Jackaroo. The lists are exponentially longer now.
How do you love to spend your weekends?
I love the outdoors and strive to spend as much time as possible in my garden or wandering around the woods and meadows by our home. My daughter and I have a menagerie of pets who demand attention as well. Knitting, reading, and spending time with my daughter are top priorities as well.
What’s your favorite thing about being part of the CALE community?
I discovered CALE when searching for a school that could better meet my daughter’s academic and socio-emotional needs. As she quickly transitioned into this nurturing environment, I looked for ways to become involved, which I have enjoyed immensely. Each teacher’s respect for their students is evident not only in their lesson planning and daily interactions, and also in the way the students interact with each other.
Share a fun fact or hidden talent that might surprise us!
I have lived in Spain twice!