Laura Meckler

Washington, D.C.

National education writer

Education: Washington University in St. Louis, A.B. in political science and international development

Laura Meckler is national education writer at the Washington Post, where she covers news, politics and people shaping American schools. She came to the Post from The Wall Street Journal, where she covered the White House, three presidential races, changing American demographics, immigration and health care. Before that, she worked for The Associated Press Washington bureau, writing about health and social policy and politics. Before coming to Washington, Laura covered state government in Columbus, Ohio. She got her start covering everything from schools and cops to the annual Pro Football Hall
Latest from Laura Meckler

Trump drives the education debate with big, contradictory ideas

Trump’s sweeping education agenda would be tough to implement. Harris has a vague plan and attacks Trump’s

October 10, 2024
Winnemucca Republicans gather at a wine bar in Nevada to watch the debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump on Sept. 10.

On anniversary of Hamas attack, both sides rally and protest

Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel rallies nationwide mark the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack that sparked the ongoing war in Gaza.

October 7, 2024

Okla. is buying schools 55,000 Bibles. Specs match the $60 Trump Bible.

Oklahoma is buying 55,000 classroom Bibles, with specifications that resemble the $60 Trump-endorsed Bible

October 4, 2024
Ryan Walters, Republican candidate for Oklahoma state superintendent, speaks at a rally in November 2022 in Oklahoma City.

The making of an alleged school shooter: Missed warnings and years of neglect

Interviews with family members and a review of private texts and public documents open a window on a 14-year-old’s path to alleged gunman at Apalachee High School.

October 3, 2024

Should schools ban cellphones?

As students return to school, more states and districts are cracking down on cellphones. But not everyone agrees. On “Post Reports,” we hear how things look on the frontlines of this battle.

September 12, 2024

Security alerts at Apalachee helped save lives, officials say

But many questions still remain about whether more could have been done to prevent the shooting.

September 6, 2024
People embrace at a makeshift memorial after a shooting at Apalachee High Schoo in Winder, Ga.

Georgia students and teachers killed in deadliest school shooting this year

Frightened children prayed and wept in their classrooms as desperate parents ran down a rural road to reunite.

September 4, 2024
Women embrace following a shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga., on Wednesday.

Mother, daughters exchange frantic texts during Georgia school shooting

The 14-year-old girl’s message: “Mommy im scared.”

September 4, 2024
Abby, Isabella and mother Sonya Turner at an Atlanta Braves game in 2023. (Family photo)

With his 1776 Commission on patriotism, Trump helped spark a culture war

Trump attempted to use federal power to define how America’s history is taught -- and promises to try again

September 2, 2024
President Donald Trump speaks with Education Secretary Betsy DeVos in 2018 in Washington.

Cellphone bans spread in schools amid growing mental health worries

More states and school districts are forbidding or restricting students’ access to cellphones.

August 27, 2024