Meet Our Instructors: Talia Lehrer

Major: Neuroscience

Year: Class of 2026

Teaching at: Harford Heights Elementary School

What is your favorite lesson you’ve taught? Why?

My favorite lesson that I’ve taught is one that my teaching partner and I developed that combined our students’ love for drawing and sensory details. After they previously expressed that they wanted more time dedicated to writing, we came up with a fun prompt: secret rooms. Our students love art, so we let them have a few minutes to draw out the most intricate secret room they could dream of. After, they tried to immerse themselves in the room through a story and then detailed their drawing in words. Seeing the rooms they came up with made me realize how immensely creative they are.

What’s something you really like about the school where you teach?

There are many things I love about the school where I teach since they do an amazing job catering toward their students. For instance, during our first semester of teaching, they held an afterschool program that all clubs could participate in. There were multiple stations introducing the kids to different important subjects like healthy eating, which was demonstrated by smoothie making and salad creation–both of which they were allowed to eat. The library where we teach is also such a cute amenity. It’s colorful, cozy, and full of books that are carefully curated to help kids feel like they belong.

What are some things you love?

I love anything that has to do with animals or rock climbing. Sometimes there’s a fun overlap. I adored bringing my dogs to the gym while growing up, and now it’s always a nice surprise to climb outdoors and be greeted by friendly pooches.

What would a perfect morning (or afternoon) look like for you?

My perfect morning would start with rolling out of bed around 8, freshly rested with no desire to snooze. I would do a short cardio workout, eat a Greek yogurt bowl with hefty amounts of fruit, and get ready for the day. If I’m feeling tired, I’ll make a matcha.