Laura Thorpe

Laura Thorpe, J.D., M.Ed, serves as the Special Education Coordinator for Palo Alto Unified School District since July 2023. Prior experience includes roles as Administrator of Special Education at Hayward Unified School District, Program Specialist at Inspire Charter Schools, and Education Specialist at Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District. Laura Thorpe's career in education began in 2014 and features additional positions as Special Academic Instruction at Folsom Cordova Unified School District and Education Specialist and Special Education Resource Teacher at Antioch Unified School District. Before transitioning to education, Laura Thorpe practiced as a legal associate from 2002 to 2011. Academic qualifications include a Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific - McGeorge School of Law, a Master's Degree in Special Education and Teaching from California State University-Sacramento, and an Administrative Credential in Education from the University of Southern California.