Teacher of the Year: Laurie Payne

Every year we honor a teacher that has gone above and beyond for our students. We have high expectations for our teachers, and they are always met with enthusiasm. 2020 was by no means a typical year, and it demanded more of everyone – Mrs. Payne took that in stride, and was voted in as the 2020 Teacher of the Year by both staff and parents.

Laurie is the lead teacher in the 2-year-old class. Throughout the year she has been consistent and shown great love and care to our students. She has 9 years of experience at Learning Tree Children’s Academy and 30 years of experience in education. Her excellence in education has included Odessa High School – Teacher Education Program (Jr and Sr), 2 years in Child Development at Odessa College, West Over Academy, Sunday school teaching, and training new co-workers at Learning Tree Children’s Academy! She has been recognized several times here, earning the Parent’s Choice Award and Teacher of the Year 3 years straight!

Laurie loves to teach children about Jesus and considers Learning Tree Children’s Academy a second family. Outside of work, she enjoys hanging out with her friends and watching movies. If she could go anywhere in the world, she would go to Colorado or New Mexico. Her favorite food is tacos. She has two sons.