November 14, 2019
When we interviewed Samantha Lazar for a fifth-grade teaching position last June, it seemed like kismet. She was an experienced, well-educated teacher who was ready to bring her talents to a new classroom. Even more than that, she was a part of the Triangle Day School family, having taught in our Middle School – partnered with Mr. Forringer! – for many years. We are so fortunate to have her back at TDS, sharing her passion for reading and writing with our fifth-grade students and guiding them to become critical thinkers in science and social studies and compassionate members of their communities. You can learn more about Mrs. Lazar in her own words below.
Amie Tedeschi
Lower School Coordinator
What is your previous teaching experience?
This is year 21 for me, ten of which were spent teaching in the TDS Middle School. I taught high school English and Middle School Language Arts in the Buncombe county public schools. I spent a year at Durham Academy and six years teaching 4th and 5th grades at Lerner School.
What attracted you to Triangle Day School?
I love the warmth of the community and TDS’ core values. I missed working here, so luckily I came back!
What do you like most about TDS?
Everyone is valued for their creativity, uniqueness, and contributions to the community.
Family and Pets?
My whole immediate family lives in North Carolina. I live with my husband Jason, my eight-year-old son Elliot, and Simon, the boss of our family who is also a cat.
Hobbies and Interests?
I love to garden, play guitar and sing, write poetry and short stories, draw, go to concerts and movies.
Favorites?
- Color: deep purple
- Kids’ Movie: The Dark Crystal
- Kids’ Book: Elephant and Piggie series
- Kids’/YA author: Kate DiCamillo
- Foods: Mediterranean and anything with pasta
Fun Facts?
- I have hiked to the top of two 14,000-foot mountains in Colorado.
- I teach creative writing at the Young Writers’ Institute in Cary.
- I performed with a light-up hula hoop at my wedding.
