For 19 years, Lauren Gura has been a dedicated teacher at Mary Morgan Elementary School, shaping the lives of fourth graders with her unique blend of compassion, high expectations, and community spirit. Over the past five years, Lauren has been a part of the school’s 

Academically Talented (AT) program, creating an environment where gifted students can thrive intellectually and socially.

Lauren’s journey to Byron began in Franklin Grove, a small town just 30 minutes south of Byron. “I wanted my family to have more opportunities than I had growing up,” Lauren shares. “Byron offered that perfect balance of a close-knit community with top-tier resources.”

Today, Lauren and her husband, a high school English teacher in the district, are raising three children in Byron. “It’s incredible to work in the same district my kids are growing up in,” she says. “I know firsthand how much this school community cares about its students.”

Lauren is one of two AT teachers at Mary Morgan, and building a quality program that continues into fifth grade has been one of her most fulfilling challenges. Designed for fourth-grade students identified as gifted through a mix of test scores and teacher recommendations, the program offers accelerated coursework in math and reading. “Our goal is to challenge these students while teaching them it’s okay to make mistakes,” Lauren explains. “Mistakes are part of the learning process.”

In math, AT students skip fourth-grade material and dive straight into fifth-grade concepts. Reading lessons are tailored with advanced books and analytical discussions, pushing students to think critically. “It’s not just about moving faster—it’s about thinking differently,” Lauren says. “These kids are used to things coming easily, but here they learn to embrace challenges.”

One of the program’s highlights is Genius Hour, an end-of-year project where students choose a topic they’re passionate about, research it, and present their findings. Lauren works tirelessly to connect her students with experts in their chosen fields, from National Geographic writers to engineers and chefs. “When kids see their passions reflected in real-world professionals, it ignites something in them,” she says. “It’s about showing them the possibilities.”

Lauren’s ability to connect with her students goes beyond academics. She fosters a sense of belonging for kids who may feel different or isolated. “These kids are quirky in the best way, and they find their people here,” she says. “We build a community where it’s okay to love Harry Potter or dive deep into unusual interests.”

As a teacher and a parent, Lauren has a unique perspective on the value of the Byron school community. “This district isn’t just about academics—it’s about building relationships,” she says. From walkouts celebrating students heading to state competitions to the teamwork among faculty members, Lauren believes Byron’s “secret sauce” lies in its unwavering support for one another. “Whether it’s a student, a colleague, or a community member, we show up for each other.”

Looking back on her career, Lauren reflects on the lasting impact of teaching. “Former students still reach out to me, and it’s humbling to know you’ve played a small part in their journey,” she shares. “Teaching is unlike any other job—it’s forever.”

Lauren Gura embodies the heart of Byron’s commitment to excellence. Through her work in the AT program, she’s not just preparing students for the next grade level—she’s equipping them for a lifetime of curiosity, resilience, and growth.