Getting to Know Laura Mas, Lower School Faculty
With more than two decades at Gulliver, Laura Mas brings heart, intention, and steady leadership to the Lower School experience. As a classroom teacher and Grade Level Coordinator, she is deeply committed to meeting students where they are, nurturing their confidence, and building meaningful connections that support both academic growth and emotional wellbeing. Her journey reflects a lifelong dedication to education, collaboration, and the belief that strong relationships are at the core of a thriving school community.
Tell us about your journey in education and what inspired you to work with Lower School students.
My journey into education began at an early age. Teaching was a meaningful part of my family life, as my grandmother, aunt, and father were all educators who modeled the impact and importance of working with children. Inspired by them, I began teaching Sunday School at my church and later worked in the afterschool program there. Through these experiences, I discovered my love for the energy, honesty, and growth that comes from working with young children.
What brought you to Gulliver, and how has your role evolved as both a teacher and a Grade Level Coordinator?
I was drawn to Gulliver through a friend who reached out to the Lower School Principal, Pat Martello, on my behalf, and I was invited to interview shortly after. I was already familiar with Gulliver’s strong commitment to academic excellence. At the time, my children were one and four years old, and I was eager to provide them with a future in a school community that shared my values.
Gulliver’s emphasis on high expectations aligned with my beliefs as both an educator and a parent. As my time at Gulliver has grown, I have continued to refine my instructional practices to meet the academic and social-emotional needs of my students. Serving as a Grade Level Coordinator has allowed me to expand my impact beyond my own classroom by supporting my colleagues and facilitating communication. Through this role, I have strengthened my leadership skills and have seen firsthand how thoughtful collaboration directly benefits student learning and teacher growth.
How do you support student growth while also collaborating with colleagues to create strong and connected learning experiences?
I support student growth by meeting students where they are academically, socially, and emotionally. I use ongoing assessment and observation to guide instruction, differentiate learning, and provide targeted support while maintaining high expectations. Building strong relationships with students is central to my approach, as it allows me to create a safe and supportive environment where students feel confident taking risks and celebrating progress.
What does a thriving classroom look like to you, and how do you help students build confidence, curiosity, and independence?
A thriving classroom is one where students feel safe, supported, and engaged—academically and emotionally. It is a space where routines are clear, expectations are high, and students feel a sense of belonging. In a thriving classroom, students are comfortable taking risks, asking questions, and learning from mistakes because they know their voices are valued and their efforts are recognized.
Can you share a moment or initiative that stands out where you saw students or teachers grow through collaboration or challenge?
One initiative that stands out was collaborating with my grade-level team to map out our curriculum. We worked together to design consistent strategies across the grade level. While it was challenging at first to align our approaches and adjust instruction, our collaboration led to clearer expectations for students and stronger support systems. This experience helped us grow as educators, as we developed deeper trust in one another and a stronger sense of collective responsibility.
What do you love most about being part of the Gulliver community, and how does it influence your approach to leadership and teaching?
What I love most about being part of the Gulliver community is the strong sense of family. I felt at home from the moment I first walked onto the campus 22 years ago. There is a genuine commitment to high expectations, collaboration, and supporting the whole child. Being part of this community has influenced my teaching by allowing me to build meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Additionally, my own sons have benefited from an excellent education at Gulliver, which has prepared them well for their future endeavors.
Rapid Fire:
Favorite way to unwind after a school day
Relaxing with my family, and my 2 dogs.
Song or playlist you love listening to
Coldplay, Brandi Carlile, Wynonna
Dream vacation destination
Anywhere in Europe
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Faculty like Laura are the heart of the Gulliver experience – guiding students with care, high expectations, and a deep commitment to who they are becoming. When you support Gulliver, you invest directly in the educators who make whole success possible every day in our classrooms. Your generosity helps ensure our faculty continue to grow, collaborate, and inspire the next generation of learners—click here to donate.
