With the school year starting up again, Arlington High School welcomes a few new teachers and staff.  One new member in particular, however, many may recognize. Laura Vazquez, a former friendly face at the lunch line register, has switched to an exciting new line of work on campus. After working in the cafeteria for 6 years, Mrs. Vazquez is now an assistant teacher for functional skills. She works alongside Brandon Davidson, a teacher at AHS for about 10 years, helping students of different levels reach their goals and gain valuable tools each day. She teaches various essential life skills, such as reading, writing, independency, punctuality, having a positive attitude, and so much more.

Taking a closer look into functional skills, they also teach lessons in English, Math, Social Studies, and Science. The students rotate classrooms every thirty minutes between 8 am and 9:30 am. They also take trips outside and to the gymnasium three times a week. Although this new role at AHS is a lot different from her previous position, Mrs. Vazquez is enjoying every moment of it. “I love the kids, and I needed a change,” she shared. “I’m learning. This is new to me, with the special kids, and I hope they’re happy with me.” She expresses that her favorite part of the job is working with the kids and witnessing the progress they make.

Mrs. Vazquez studied at Universidad Del Noreste, where she earned her master’s in business administration. She lived in Matamoros, Mexico for nineteen years, on the Texas border. Mrs. Vazquez moved to Wisconsin, where she resided for 2 years, then came to Arlington where she has lived ever since. She worked in the field of humanities in Mexico, then transitioned to the education scene upon obtaining her residency in the states. She started in the cafeteria at Dogwood Elementary in Germantown, then took the opportunity of a job here at AHS. In her free time she enjoys: bowling, reading, playing cards, and watching movies. Mrs. Vazquez and head teacher, Mr. Davidson both agree that anyone who is interested in a career in this field must have patience, positive energy, listening skills, love for kids, and a calm attitude. This job takes a special person, someone who likes making a difference in kids’ lives, and Mrs. Vazquez has been just the person for that.