Hood – A Place That Nurtured My Calling and Passion

Having earned her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education and her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Hood College, Lura Hanks, a candidate in Hood’s initial Doctorate of Organizational Leadership (DOL) cohort, is on her way to becoming one of the college’s first “three degree” recipients.

Lura is currently Supervisor of Language Arts and Social Studies for Washington County (MD) Public Schools.  She provides professional development, curriculum design and resources to 48 schools, serving staff and students from PreK through 12th grade. She started her teaching career with Frederick County Public Schools at Middletown Elementary School before becoming an FCPS Teacher Specialist for English/Language Arts and Social Studies. Following Assistant Principal positions at Thurmont Primary and Elementary and Spring Ridge Elementary, she received her first Principal position at Mercersburg Elementary in the Tuscarora School District in Pennsylvania.  Lura returned to Maryland in 2013 to become Principal at Winter Street Elementary in Hagerstown before assuming her current position in 2015.  She has also served as a School Board Director in the Greencastle- Antrim (PA) School District.

Lura has been involved in a variety of projects to support technology initiatives and enrich students’ experiences at the elementary level, including the development of a program for students in grades 3-5 to demonstrate proficiency on grade level standards, work ethic and motivation, as well as exemplary character and behavior.  The program enabled students to enhance their general education through integrated studies in math, English, Science and Social Studies.

“Hood College has provided the foundation necessary for me to excel in the educational field.  With my own passion and drive to succeed, Hood continues to provide exceptional mentors and instructors that inspire, expect and support my own professional learning.  Through a liberal arts approach, Hood has enabled me to view the world from a global perspective and transfer those experiences to better prepare young students for the world they will lead.  Each experience at Hood has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to advance professionally with confidence and passion. 

As an educator, my goal is always to have the greatest impact in preparing our nation’s youth for success in the world we have created for them.  My hope is to inspire, expect and support success for as many children as I can influence.  Hood has nurtured my calling and I will continue to work for the health and wealth of our communities through advanced literacy competence and citizenship development in our future caretakers.”

Originally from Massachusetts, Lura is married to David Hanks, Assistant Principal at Northern Middle School in Hagerstown, and mother of Nathan (10) and Natalie (9).