Lauren Cooney

Lauren Cooney brings more than fourteen years of experience in secondary education across diverse global contexts. After earning her B.A. in Anthropology and English from UT Austin through the UTeach Educator Preparation Program, she began her career balancing classroom teaching while also working in field archaeology in the jungles of Belize. That early blend of education and exploration ignited an enduring passion for the outdoors, adventure, and immersive learning in off-the-beaten-path environments.
Building on that foundation, Lauren spent three years working in southern Thailand as both a classroom teacher and an Instructional Coach: supporting curriculum development and educator growth. From there, she moved to London to pursue her M.A. in Education, International Development and Health Promotion at University College London.
After completing her graduate studies, Lauren returned to Texas as the Director of Speech, Debate and Model UN at Austin High—a school conveniently close to the local climbing crag. Her passion for climbing ultimately led her to World Class Academy, where she’s thrilled to unite her interests in travel and cultural exchange, experiential education, and teacher development.
Outside the classroom and off the wall, Lauren likes getting lost in immersive world-building fiction, spending time with loved ones (preferably over a deck of cards), and chasing new skills. Whether learning to paddle whitewater or restoring her vintage Airstream, she embraces getting muddy, building grit, and saying yes to the adventures that build character.