Sharlene Laud has been working in education since graduating from Rutgers University with a B.A. in Political Science in 2013. After graduation, Sharlene relocated to Houston, Texas to begin her career as an alternatively certified elementary school teacher for the Houston Independent School District (HISD), the seventh-largest largest district in the country. While teaching with HISD, Sharlene quickly learned about the diversity in the city of Houston and the needs of the students, which moved her to explore opportunities in teacher education preparation. At the University of Houston, Sharlene was part of the piloting team for the city’s grow-your-own teacher program, Teach Forward Houston. Sharlene oversaw the retention of the teachers-in-training, as well as other university undergraduates, through her work at the student support office, the Urban Experience Program.

Sharlene returned to the Banks in 2018 when she joined the Graduate School of Education as Senior Program Coordinator for the Rutgers Alternate Route. Through her work, she spends her days helping aspiring education professionals, including career changers and recent college graduates, become licensed teachers in New Jersey. Sharlene is actively engaged in raising awareness about the profession through social media, marketing, and events. To retain high-quality teachers, she assists in ensuring that the program’s learning opportunities are engaging and effective, while helping candidates navigate the completion of the program. Dr. Sharlene Laud received an Ed.D. from the Rutgers Graduate School of Education and an M.S. Education from Johns Hopkins University.

Why Education?

I became an elementary school teacher to share my love of learning with a new generation of students. I transitioned to a role in teacher preparation because I was moved by the differences in the quality of education provided to students. Education plays a role in the opportunities and networks available to people, from youth to adulthood. One way to improve equality in education is to provide all students with well-trained and caring teachers. Working at the Alternate Route allows me to support individuals that also have a passion for learning and wish to be present for students.