Lauren Kirk, Ed.D.

Dr. Lauren Kirk is a senior lecturer in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction. Her role focuses on teaching and supporting elementary education majors in the educator preparation program at Baylor School of Education.

After graduating with a BSEd in elementary education from Baylor, she taught fourth grade and second grade at a local school district (LaVega ISD). During this time, she developed a passion for teaching students to read and discover the joy of reading. She continued her education at Baylor, earning an MSEd in curriculum and instruction with a reading specialist certification. She later moved into the role of reading intervention specialist at another local district (China Spring ISD), where she provided intensive support for struggling readers. Dr. Kirk also served at Education Service Center Region 12 in Waco where she provided professional development in the areas of reading and curriculum for teachers from 77 school districts in a 12-county area.

Before joining the Baylor faculty, Dr. Kirk served for 15 years at Howard Payne University as associate professor and field-experience coordinator. She taught a wide variety of courses, with a focus on literacy and field experience. Additionally, she led study-abroad trips for education students to London and Honduras.

One of Dr. Kirk’s greatest joys is supporting education students at a critical stage of their development and watching them grow in confidence and skill. Being part of their journey reminds her of why she became a teacher.