Academic Degrees

• B.S., Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies - James Madison University
• M.A.T., Elementary Education PreK-6 - James Madison University

Laurissa Kennedy has 8 years of teaching experience in 1^st and 3^rd Grade. Originally from Burke, VA, Laurissa now resides in Harrisonburg and has taught in both Rockingham County and Harrisonburg City schools. She also has a certificate in Restorative Justice in Education from Eastern Mennonite University. This program further developed her teaching philosophy to prioritize universal design and inclusion for students of all learning abilities and background experiences. Laurissa also has an endorsement to teach English as a Second Language and co-taught with an ESL teacher in her classroom for 3 years. Teaching language learners and building relationships with their families has deepened her appreciation of other cultures and her love for our diverse community here in Harrisonburg.

In the Education Support Center, Laurissa can help with processing honorariums for cooperating teachers, as well as hiring supervisors and placing them with student teachers locally and across Virginia.