Strength in Team Staff Spotlight: Lauren Karap of Greensview Elementary School

This year, we will be highlighting the people who contribute to the strength of our team by making our schools and our district such a special place for students. 

 

Lauren Karap, 3rd Grade Teacher at Greensview Elementary School and Track & Field Coach at Upper Arlington High School

How do you contribute to your school/department and the school district as a whole? I am so grateful to be part of the UA Schools community, and I bring a positive attitude to the classroom every day. I strive to cultivate an environment where students feel valued, safe, and excited to learn. I enjoy helping students of all ages, both as an elementary school teacher and a coach for the high school. As an elementary teacher, I focus on building foundational skills while fostering a love for learning. Coaching gives me the opportunity to work with older students where I can instill values like teamwork, perseverance and sportsmanship. My goal is to support students in both academic and athletic settings by helping them develop skills they can use in their educational journeys. I believe that by being a positive role model and leader I can inspire students to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives.

What inspires you / motivates you in your role? I’m inspired by seeing my students grow in all areas and am proud to be a part of their achievements. My students' progress inspires me to continually improve my teaching methods and to find new ways to support their unique needs. Seeing them thrive fuels my passion for education and reminds me why I chose this path.

What is a memorable moment, or your proudest moment at UA Schools in your 5 1/2 years with Upper Arlington Schools? As a graduate of Upper Arlington and now a teacher and coach, I have countless memories that stand out to me. A memorable moment as a teacher at Greensview is seeing my students’ faces as they walked through the door on the first day of school. As the head coach for the Upper Arlington High School girls track and field team, one of my most memorable experiences was winning the 2024 state championship in the girls 4x400 relay and attending the Nike Nationals in Eugene, Oregon.

What brings you joy outside of work? Outside of school, I enjoy helping others in the community. I love coaching the Upper Arlington track and field team, and in the summer I work as the director of the Upper Arlington Summer Day Camps. I truly enjoy helping students as they grow beyond the classroom. I also enjoy watching The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Columbus Blue Jackets, and spending time with my friends, family and my two dogs, who always bring a smile to my face. One day, I hope to see my current third graders out on the track at the high school.

What Greensview Principal Jason Wulf has to say about Lauren: Lauren is an invaluable asset to our team at Greensview. In just her third year with us, she has already made a lasting impact through her unwavering dedication, positivity and willingness to go above and beyond for both her students and colleagues. Her transition from building substitute to full-time 3rd grade teacher has been seamless, and her hard work shines through every day. Lauren's energy and selflessness uplift the entire building, and she continually seeks ways to support others. Her contributions to the Upper Arlington community extend far beyond the classroom — whether as a UA graduate, track coach or director of a UA Summer Day Camp, Lauren exemplifies the spirit of service and leadership. We are fortunate to have her as part of our team.