La’Zhay McKinley
What is your role with The Center and what are you most excited about?
I am a Literacy Engagement Specialist, and in that capacity, I will be working to provide opportunities for family involvement and engagement in different communities throughout the state.
What is your background?
I am native of the Magic City of Bogalusa, LA and mother to the brightest and sweetest sonshine in the world! I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Southern University and A&M College. Upon graduation, I was offered the second grade position where I completed my student-teaching experience at the Southern University Laboratory School. While at the Laboratory School, I was afforded the opportunity to continue my education at the University’s Graduate Program. In the spring of 2023, I received my Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership, finishing with a 4.0 GPA. I enjoyed 6 years at the Laboratory School before transitioning to a new role in the second grade back home in Bogalusa, LA, at Central Elementary School.
What is your favorite childhood book or literacy memory?
My favorite childhood literacy memory is having the same birthday as Dr. Seuss. With my dad also being an educator, he was really big on literacy. He brought me the Dr. Seuss book collection and they’ve always been my favorite books to read. Dr. Seuss Week was always a big week in school, so with it being my birthday, it just always felt special.
Flashback to when you were ten years old; what did you want to be when you grew up?
Anybody who knows me will confirm that I’ve ALWAYS wanted to be a teacher. Unlike most other children, I used to ask for dry-erase boards and markers, teacher’s manuals, a roll book, and any supplies that I could put in my “classroom” (a corner in my room) for Christmas as a child.
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
I would probably be somewhere eating wings.
What passion projects do you have outside of work?
A passion project of mine is coaching as I am the current and proud coach for the Bogalusa High School Paperdolls and the Bogalusa Middle School Timberdolls.