Laura Vanderhaeghen is one of the greats. She possesses the talent. If you spend more than a few minutes listening to her, you will learn that she holds not only profound subject matter expertise for music, but her knowledge and understanding of students and teaching runs just as deep. Anyone who has spent any time with middle school students can imagine the task at hand in teaching that particular group of children. Laura has mastered the art of making learning fun, exciting, and engaging to pre-teens and teenagers. Laura has the passion. She loves her job and her students. It is apparent that she wants to be in the classroom, and her presence truly makes an impact. She inspires students daily to invest in themselves, to practice and develop their talents, and to try new things. I have watched my son grow in his confidence, try new instruments, and even seek out opportunities to learn more ways to enjoy music while learning to dj. Laura has a knack for connection. When a teacher enjoys teaching, the kids, families, and community all feel the love. Mrs. Vanderhaegen understands that in order to get students to care about their learning, they have to first know that she cares about them as people. She extends this care to her students' families and the larger Eastwood and Indianapolis communities as well. She consistently updates families in Parent Square. She shares where in the community we can find her playing in or enjoying music performances. She invites her former students to return to perform in concerts at Eastwood. All of these efforts are proof that she understands how to build and maintain connection and community. Mrs. Vanderhaegen is one of the greats. She has the talent, the passion, and builds connection and community. I am so thankful she is my son's teacher. Her love for her students and her job radiates so brightly, it is visible in everything she does.