How Old Was Laura Ingalls When She Became a Teacher?

Laura Ingalls Wilder began teaching school at the young age of 15. Although she was still a student herself, she took on the role of teacher to help support her family and contribute toward the cost of sending her sister Mary to a college for the blind.

Laura’s first teaching job was at the Bouchie School, located about 12 miles from her family’s home in De Smet, South Dakota. At the time, it was common in rural areas for teenage girls to become teachers, especially if they had completed the equivalent of a basic education and passed a certification exam. Laura’s age wasn’t unusual for the time, but it was still a major responsibility for someone so young.

In her novel These Happy Golden Years, Laura fictionalized the experience, renaming it the Brewster School. The story highlights not only the challenges of managing a classroom of students—some of whom were older than she was—but also the emotional difficulty of boarding with a family who were cold and quarrelsome.

To help ease the loneliness, Almanzo Wilder, who would later become her husband, often drove his sleigh through harsh winter weather to bring Laura back home each weekend. These trips were the start of their slow-building courtship and are fondly remembered as some of the most romantic moments in the series.

Why It Mattered

Becoming a teacher at 15 wasn’t just a job for Laura—it was a symbol of maturity, sacrifice, and family loyalty. She worked hard, endured tough conditions, and grew more confident with each term she taught. These experiences helped shape her independence and were a crucial part of her journey from childhood to adulthood.

In Summary:

• Laura Ingalls was 15 years old when she began teaching.

• Her first school was the Bouchie School, later called the Brewster School in her book.

• She taught to help her family financially, especially to support Mary’s education.

• Almanzo Wilder’s weekend sleigh rides marked the beginning of their relationship.