LCC welcomes three new teachers as new school year begins

LAUREL — Three alumni have returned home to teach at Laurel-Concord-Coleridge School this Fall.

Sarah Beckwith, Erica Mogensen and Shasta Hans were the fresh faces and smiles that greeted students as they returned to school Wednesday.

Mogensen joins the school with a new position as the school’s speech language pathologist.

Prior to her hire, the school contracted with the Educational Service Unit for speech language pathology services.

She said her job is “finding a voice for students.”

“This job gave me the opportunity to help both sides of healthcare and education,”

Mogensen said. “I want to help students communicate their wants and needs. I really enjoy seeing students grow. There is no other feeling like it – to help students progress.”

Mogensen graduated from Laurel-Concord High School in 2013. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2018 and her master’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Kearney in 2020. She is married to Trey.

Beckwith, who will be teaching 10th and 12th-grade English, got her start in teaching as a coach.

“I found out that young kids are fun to be around and need people,” she said. “I will try to integrate my style with students. I hope they understand I am trying to look out for their best interests. I want to get them prepared for college and the workforce.”

Beckwith said she has some unique projects in mind for her students like interpretive drama and writing portfolios.

She grew up in Laurel – graduating from Laurel-Concord High School in 2002. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Wayne State College in 2007. She is married to Jase.

Hans will be teaching elementary art and digital media at LCC and can’t wait to share her knowledge and creativity with students.

She is hoping to start a school-based business with students from the digital media class in which they would produce websites, logos, fliers, posters and other items for the school and community.

“I hope to lead them in different directions and show them they can have a career in art,’’ she said. “I am excited to begin this journey and learn with the students.’’

Hans graduated from Laurel-Concord High School in 2000. She earned an associate’s degree from the Creative Center in Omaha and is currently finishing her teaching certificate at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. She is married to Nick.

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