“Lori has created an environment that fosters a love for learning. Expectations are high: her students are always actively participating and engaging in learning. ... She goes well beyond her own needs to ensure her students are successful and achieve their academic and social goals.”

Lori Kurek has been an elementary school teacher for 40 years, 37 of which have been as an English Language Arts and social studies at Buhrer Dual Language Academy.  She is a 1979 graduate of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s West Tech High School. Lori believes her keys to success are creating a positive classroom environment in which all scholars feel safe, accepted, loved, and successful; and creating lessons that are differentiated, challenging, and fun. She has been a part of Disney Musicals in Schools program for six years, encouraging students to experience the joy of the arts. Lori holds both a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Cleveland State University. In addition, she has also earned a reading comprehension certification. Lori’s hobbies include exercising, reading, spending time with her two adult sons, and anything in the sun. She plans on educating scholars as long as her mind and body allow.