Nothing brings Lauren Saj more joy than seeing a child have their “aha” moment while learning.
A believer that “education starts when you’re born,” Saj, station engagement coordinator for Delta College Public Media, is devoted to planting the seeds of learning in children through early childhood education efforts.
“My love for education started in high school when I assisted students in a special
education classroom. I went to school for athletic training and decided to change
my path to teaching,” Saj said. “I experienced the joy of being around students to
see them learn and their progress throughout the year.”
The face of the station’s PBS education and engagement outreach efforts, the former educator is vital in working with local teachers, parents, school systems and education partners to share Delta’s educational resources.
Humble but driven, Saj lights up when sharing her participation with schools and parents throughout the community, such as creating STEM kits, hosting community educational-themed events and visiting over 20 libraries and museums throughout the community.
“I tell parents when we’re in the community that ‘you always have time to learn.’ If you’re in the car, point out shapes and colors. Finding those hidden ways to learn, making it fun, enjoyable and adaptable for students that might have those difficult times,” she said.
Through Delta College Public Media, Saj helps promote
PBS Kids, the Michigan Learning Channel, summer reading and anti-bullying programs.
Optimistic about her mission, she wishes to expand the station’s collaboration across campus and work with educating students and future teachers.
“I am preparing teachers with educational resources in the classroom is important. When I was an educator, I did not have that available to me. If I had a bigger toolkit with resources from the Michigan Learning Channel and PBS I could have turned them into lesson plans in my first year, it would have been beneficial.”
New childhood educational programs
Extra Credit keeps sixth through eighth grade students engaged in learning with short, interactive lessons around creative writing, math, fitness and art. Students will explore animals, engineering, the environment, sports and careers through weekly themes and see behind-the-scenes field trips.
Read, Write, ROAR! is an English Language Arts program for Pre-K through third-grade learners. The Michigan Learning Channel partnered with the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Districts (MAISA) and Michigan teachers to create educational video lessons and corresponding activity sheets aligning with Michigan teaching standards and the literacy essentials.
For more information, visit deltabroadcasting.org/kids.
Delta College Public Media’s mission is to educate, inform, inspire and entertain through commercial-free radio, television and other media, touching the lives of all Mid-Michigan citizens by providing quality programming and services.
Are you are interested in supporting Delta College Public Media?
Contact Gwen Serbus at 989-686-9012 or gwenserbus@delta.edu.