Profile: Laura Graveman

Although senior secondary education major Laura Graveman chose her career path at a young age, she never imagined how eventful and exciting her college years would become.

“I’ve known I wanted to be a teacher since I was three or four years old,” Graveman said. “I have no teachers in my immediate family. I just always liked and admired the profession. I even used to want to play teacher when I was a kid.”

Born in Kansas City, Mo., Graveman lived in Tonganoxie, Kan. until she graduated from high school. She began her college career at University of Kansas, not very far from her home. She said her career has never been a question for her.

Graveman decided to transfer to Emporia State to get her degree in education, but not before taking the opportunity to travel and study abroad. She moved to England for a time, traveling over Europe while she was able to.

Graveman also spent a little over a month teaching fifth and sixth grade students in India.

“It was a really amazing experience,” Graveman said. “I’m lucky to have the opportunity to do it.”

It comes as little surprise that, with such a passion for travel, KU awarded Graveman a certificate celebrating her dedication to global awareness. Graveman’s work is also recognized as an inductee of the Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society.

Graveman is also the president of Teachers of Tomorrow at ESU. Throughout the year, she said she has seen the group grow in involvement. The group recently encouraged students to write personal postcards to teachers, thanking them for their service.

Lendi Bland, education professor and faculty advisor for Teachers of Tomorrow, said Graveman was eager to lend her talents to the organization even before she was elected president.

“Last year at elections, I sensed she wanted to do something more for the secondary education majors,” Bland said. “There has been a lot of growth this year, and Laura’s been behind a lot of it.”

Bland said Graveman’s style of leadership gives each officer a chance to lend their unique skills to the organization.

“She’s not afraid to delegate, and she doesn’t micromanage. She also has the support of some great officers, and they’re all usually a step ahead of me. As an advisor, that’s a wonderful, wonderful thing.”

“She has the ability to plan, and to keep the big picture in mind,” Bland said. “She balances her office with school, and I know she is active in other organizations as well. She’s very active, very open to anyone wanting to get involved, not just in education.”

Teachers of Tomorrow offer professional development and social events for education majors. Group members meet and discuss current issues in education with their peers and experienced educators, bringing issues discussed in the college classroom into real-life classroom situations.

Teachers of Tomorrow treasurer and senior elementary education major Ila Engler has worked with Graveman for the past year.

“She’s a pretty enthusiastic president for the organization,” Engler said. “She really loves to spread her passion for learning.”

Graveman is also a member of Kansas National Educational Association, Didde campus outreach and clarinet choir. Graveman also recently founded a book club, meeting with members to read and discuss books such as “Speak” and “Freedom Writers’ Diaries”.

Despite her many involvements on campus, Graveman said she still finds time to pursue her own hobbies. She enjoys reading and writing, dabbling in many different styles of writing. Graveman said she also enjoys the “normal stuff”, such as spending time with friends and watching movies.

Graveman looks forward to beginning her career in teaching. This summer, she will begin her phase II teaching at Baser-Lindwood, teaching ninth and 10th grade history. After she completes her degree, Graveman wants to move closer to home to teach.

“My best memory of Emporia is probably the people,” Graveman said. “I transferred here while I was still living overseas, and moved here right after I got back. To come to a new campus I haven’t seen and try to find all these buildings was tough.”

Graveman has found her stride and made many friends in Emporia.

“I’ve definitely made some good, lasting friendships,” Graveman said. “Just being part of the Emporia community, walking down the sidewalk and having people recognize me, that’s been very nice.”