Lisa Lawrence is a sixth-grade teacher at Wilson Intermediate School in Pekin. After earning her bachelor’s degree at Illinois State University, she went on to earn her Master of Arts and Science and is concurrently working toward a master’s degree in school counseling and a certification in training positive discipline in the classroom.
On her own initiative, Lawrence has taught evening parenting classes utilizing positive discipline techniques and conducted workshops for parents on math concepts so they could better assist their children with homework. She organizes afterschool exercise and discussion sessions that focus on low self-esteem, weight, grooming and interpersonal problems for girls in her classroom.
Coordinating with a D.A.R.E. officer and a local Boy Scout troop, Lawrence organized a camping experience for her class. She was able to arrange accommodations for two of her special needs students to participate and enjoy the same opportunities as their classmates. Lawrence spends time during the summer months with some of her students with learning difficulties, tutoring them so they are caught up for the next grade. She has been honored in “Who’s Who Among American Teachers” three times. She goes above and beyond, and is a dedicated, caring and nurturing teacher.
Community service is very important to Lawrence. She is the executive board treasurer of Chi Sigma Iota, an honorary academic society, and has served as the chairperson of that organization’s annual Christmas toy drive and party for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. She also participates in the organization’s garage sale. Lawrence walks dogs for the Tazewell County Animal Shelter and has volunteered at the Crittenton Center’s Crisis Nursery. She is a featured soloist and member of her church’s choir.
In 2007, 15 families in her neighborhood had contaminated wells, and a grant was needed to pipe city in. Lawrence was the catalyst in launching a neighborhood campaign for clean water and was able to land a grant of $120,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Lisa Lawrence is an exceptional woman who has accomplished a lot in less than 40 years, utilizing her great citizenship and leadership talents for the good of others. iBi
