Many people remember Lauren Jiles Austin as a bubbly TSA student, but to many of our younger Trojans, she is more affectionately known as their fun first grade teacher. Tattnall students quickly fall in love with Mrs. Austin! Her smile is contagious, her laugh is infectious and her heart for the Lord is genuine.  She gives love, understanding, compassion and gentleness to each and every student she teaches. She has a unique ability to meet all students where they are currently and help them soar to new heights!

Lauren graduated from Georgia Southern University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and taught for one year in Jones county before returning home to teach at her alma mater.  Lauren has been the first grade teacher for the last 6 years. Lauren ’02 and her husband Jay ’01, both TSA alumni, say they are blessed to be a part of the TSA family again. They have one son, Walker, who is a 3 year old Trojan in training.

Lauren loves teaching first grade!  She says, ” It is such a rewarding grade level to teach. You see these precious children learn how to read, write, and grasp concepts that you would think they couldn’t, but they prove us wrong. These bright little minds never cease to amaze me every day. Not a day goes by that I do not smile, laugh, and go home feeling that I have been in a place that God has truly placed me.”

It is hard to imagine Tattnall without Mrs. Austin’s enthusiasm and work ethic. We are proud to name her Teacher of the Month! Congratulations, Mrs. Austin! We are blessed to have you back at Tattnall.

(Pictured: Mrs. Austin with her students dressed as 100 year old people on 100th day of school.)