Living the Double Life: A Teacher and a Student

Can you imagine teaching nearly two hundred students while still managing the stress of college level curriculum?  

Laura Palosaari, a third year teacher here at PVHS, faces the challenge of teaching three different subjects with hundreds of students while still obtaining her master’s degree.

Palosaari attended Peninsula High School and now teaches at her former rival school.

In college, Palosaari double majored in English and math before ultimately becoming a math teacher here at PVHS.  Palosaari has been able to manage everything thrown at her through amazing time management, perseverance, and thorough work ethic.  

When asked what motivates her, Palosaari responded “You will never regret working hard now if it pays off later.”  Her hard work has clearly set her ahead of the crowd as she is already three years into her career while still studying to further her education.  

Palosaari currently teaches Algebra 2 MCR, AP Computer Science Principles, and Pre-Calculus. Teaching three different subjects is a challenging task for any teacher, but Palosaari is taking on a brand new class that has never been taught here before.

This class is AP Computer Science Principles and it has been the hardest to teach because everything included in the curriculum is from scratch.

Although it has been a struggle, Palosaari is very accepting of the challenge due to the relevance of this course. She feels the material taught is very important and students should start learning the curriculum at a much younger age as a requirement instead of a choice.  

Palosaari is a young and upbeat teacher who loves music and has a passion to help others. In her few years here, Palosaari has already sponsored multiple clubs and continued to help her students in any way possible.

Palosaari’s favorite thing is when her students help each other without being asked. She is very inspired by her own students and she warm-heartedly said “When I see a student help another student, it simply makes me smile.”  

Palosaari’s dedication and commitment to her students has been obvious throughout her short time here at PVHS. Palosaari’s students have been able to engage with her class through her live energy and great attitude.

Due to Palosaari’s persistent efforts to help her students, she has gained endless respect and thankfulness for her unsurpassed teaching and determination.

Palosaari receives acknowledgement from her students for her great teaching and caring personality.  

A PVHS senior who had Palosaari last year, Ethan Sommerstein, said “Ms. Palosaari is an amazing teacher. She cares so much about her students and she is very patient with everyone.” It is clear that Palosaari is positively influencing our school and hopefully she stays here for awhile.