Assistant Principal, Warren Easton High School

Our Young [PRO]FILES series introduces you to young professionals and their experiences working and thriving in New Orleans. In a COVID-19 world where the need for social distancing continues, safe and equitable access to quality education is once again in the spotlight.

Amid the ebb and flow of infection rates and continuously shifting phases, schools are reopening. It’s here that their faculty, staff and students are those on the front lines. One such front line worker is Lauren LeDuff, an assistant principal at Warren Easton High School. LeDuff, a New Orleans native, shares with us her experience in this Young [PRO] FILE. 

Why New Orleans?

It’s my home! I honestly feel like I have an obligation to the children of my community before anywhere else. They’re OUR children. I want them to see me and realize I came from their same neighborhood and their same circumstances so that they know there is hope.

What set you on your current career path? How did you come to work as an educator?

Hurricane Katrina happened my junior year of high school. I was swept away from my home and dropped in the middle of someone else’s world. Everyone around me was suddenly making the decisions for me. I felt like I had no voice and eventually spun into a bout of depression. The teachers at my new school never even noticed. They never noticed me at all. That’s when I decided to be a teacher. I knew what it felt like to be invisible, so I vowed to never let a child feel invisible in my classroom.

What don’t people know about the work you do? What should people understand?

The old saying says, “Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach.” The world frequently looks at educators as glorified babysitters rather than degreed professionals simply because of the career path we chose. We are underpaid and frequently unappreciated. I think during this pandemic, people have realized just how intricate of a role educators play in our community. We do more than educate children. We counsel them, problem solve for them, and nurture them.

What inspires you to do this work?

The resilience of our children inspires me every day. To know that they never allow their circumstances to hinder their success, and to see their constant fight to be better even when the odds are against them reminds me daily of why I do the work I do and how important it is.

What has been the most unexpected occurrence you’ve experienced as a professional?

The most unexpected occurrence I’ve experienced is building a virtual school due to the pandemic. The systems we had in place that have been proven to work had to be placed to the side and we literally had to start from scratch.

How has the current pandemic changed the way you see and do your work?

It has made me rethink the way we educate our children. Transitioning to online platforms was a difficult task for educators across the country and I think it was a huge eye opener on how intentional we must be about instruction for our students so we don’t lose them.

What does success mean for you within your life and career?

Success for me is seeing all of my students leading successful lives. To see former students flourishing and knowing I was able to play a small part in helping them reach their potential is the absolute most meritorious feeling ever!

What has been your greatest challenge as a young professional? How did you overcome that challenge?

The biggest challenge I’ve had has definitely been my age. For years, the   landscape of education in our city consisted of administrators that were much older than I am. To be in my position at my age, people frequently assume I am not knowledgeable or experienced enough. I simply let the work speak for me, and whether their opinion is a pleasant one or not, I’m ok with it either way.

What has been your greatest success as a professional?

Being able to visit my former students’ classrooms, as many of them are also teachers now, is my biggest win as an educator. To be able to pass the torch to them and watch them become the next generation of phenomenal educators our city needs is my absolute greatest success.

What is next for you?

I’m open to whatever position higher than the one that I am currently in that I may be able to move into after this one just as long as I am still servicing children.

What advice do you have for others rising through the ranks?

Don’t get so caught up on wanting to move up the ranks that you forget the reason you got into this profession to begin with – the children.

What is your favorite pastime/fun activity when you aren’t saving lives?

I like to spend time with my family. I think it’s so important to decompress weekly. This job can be extremely heavy at times, and I can’t pour from an empty cup. Spending time with my family is always the pick me up I need to go back to work revitalized and rejuvenated.

What are your top three organizations to which you give time and/or resources that others should know about?

First, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. I am a member of the Alpha Beta Omega graduate chapter here in the city, and serve on various committees. Second, I volunteer with YAYA. I absolutely adore the program and the pathway it has created for our young artists. Lastly, I am a member of the group Public School Advocates and we diligently work towards the children of New Orleans receiving an equitable education as well as holding those who are responsible for their education accountable.