Lauren Korotkov

Head of Rabin House, Emanuel School

As Head of Rabin House and HSIE teacher at Emanuel School, Lauren Korotkov is acutely aware of how difficult it is to be a teenager in 2024, and the crucial role that schools and teachers play in supporting them.  As a fundamental part of the Wellbeing Team, Lauren brings an invaluable blend of academic rigour and empathetic leadership to her roles. With a profound capacity to manage complex cases, Lauren ensures that the needs of both students and their families are met with sensitivity and tact. “Lauren is the real deal,” Adam Majsay, Head of High School, notes. “If I’m walking around the school I can see Lauren having quiet conversations with a student on a bench,” illustrating her commitment to making students feel safe, known, and advocated for.

Lauren’s educational philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that “We’re not preparing the road for the students, we’re preparing the students for the road.” This approach is evident in her classroom where she teaches Legal Studies and History with a passion that ignites curiosity and encourages critical thinking among her students. Her ability to engage students is particularly noted in the level of rigour in the feedback she provides, which students love. Having started her journey eight years ago on a practicum placement, her knack for building connections and fostering a sense of community among her students has only grown, evidenced by her recent nomination for the Educator Rising Star Award in 2021.

Today, as a Head of House and a leader among her peers, Lauren not only oversees the school’s tutor program but also plays a pivotal role in supporting the transition of Year 7 students into high school. Her expertise in adolescent mental health enables her to live the message of wellbeing she preaches—ensuring her own self-care is as much a priority as her students’. Her efforts extend beyond the classroom, involving her in initiatives that amplify student voice and foster a culture of agency. Lauren’s work is a beacon of what it means to be a teacher in 2024, truly understanding and meeting the complex needs of today’s teenagers, helping them believe in their power to make a difference.