Laura Jeanne Penrod’s 17-year education journey began with early entry into leadership. As a classroom practitioner, she is committed to leadership and advocacy for and with students and colleagues. Penrod’s expertise in project-based learning and commitment to social-emotional learning (SEL) leads her students to have meaningful educational experiences and statewide impact.

Penrod teaches 12th grade dual-credit English at Southwest Career and Technical Academy in Las Vegas, Nevada. With a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies from California State University, Bakersfield, and a Master of Education in special education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Penrod is an education leader mentoring teachers, leading professional development and advising student leadership organizations. She has certifications in English language learning from Nevada State University and SEL and trauma-informed practices from Breathe for Change to best serve her diverse student community. Penrod is also a contributing education columnist for the Nevada Independent.

Penrod and her students recently advocated with legislators during Nevada’s 82nd legislative session, securing passage of bills on financial literacy instruction and college and career readiness access for all Nevada learners. A policy and advocacy leader, she actively engages in fellowships globally, nationally and statewide for educational policy impact. Penrod is a Nevada Future of Learning Network ambassador, national Teach Plus CEO Teacher Cabinet member and a Teach Plus National Teacher of Color Network facilitator. She leads monthly teacher roundtables with the local district superintendent, spearheading district-level work and prioritizing special education, equity and diversity and teacher recruitment, support and retention.