“I felt so shocked and undeserving,” Castleton said. 

But Castleton’s family and coworkers said the award reflected the efforts she had put into her classroom and the school’s community. 

Jennifer Schafer, an instructional coach at Spectrum, was one of many who nominated her for the award.

“I was so proud of her; I think she deserved it for everything that she has done,” Schafer said. 

Schafer first met Castleton when she was a room mom for her son’s fourth-grade class. Roughly two years later, she joined Schafer’s teaching team after being offered an open position during the school year. 

Although Castleton was a substitute teacher for two years, she had limited classroom experience. Schafer said she took Castleton under her wing; both teachers worked together to make lessons more engaging for students.

Schafer recalled how, for each unit, the two of them would “try to bring a little extra into it.” For example, they created activities for the kids to do, or would change the way they were teaching something.   

Outside of Castleton’s regular teaching responsibilities, she helps run the school's Sunshine Committee, a staff-led program managed by teachers and other on campus administrators to build staff morale. The committee prioritizes uplifting the school’s team members and maintaining a vibrant workplace.

“Lauren is someone who is constantly looking for ways to bring people together and support those around her,” Schafer said.

One example of that was Love My School Day, an event Castleton organized that brought 30 to 40 community members to Spectrum to help improve the school, Schafer said.

Beyond the classroom, Castleton is also a mother of four.

“I would describe her as loving, caring, kind and fun,” Kayli Castleton, Castleton’s oldest daughter, said. 

Kayli said her mother’s caring nature extends beyond her role as a teacher, describing her as someone always willing to help and support those around her. 

“I think she’s really passionate about teaching, and a great advocate for the kids, and listening to them, giving them somebody to talk to about anything, whether it be school, home, or their sports,” Kayli said. 

For Castleton, that passion comes from seeing that lightbulb moment go off for students, “when they understand, and when they feel confident in themselves.”

“They don’t do it for the fame and glory. They do it because they love kids,” Castleton said. 

Her approach to teaching goes beyond helping students understand lessons. She prioritizes building relationships with students and being able to help them succeed in their early education.

Although Castleton said she was shocked to receive the Teacher of the Year award, the most important part about teaching for her is the lasting impression she leaves on her students. 

“I want my students to feel like I cared for them and that I love them,” Castleton said.