Long before they became a powerhouse teaching team, Central Middle School (CMS)’s Laura Eid (‘03) and Julie Rochford (‘99) were just two Eden Prairie Schools students walking the same hallways, sitting in the same classrooms and growing up in the same community. Neither imagined they’d one day return — as celebrated educators and close friends — to make a profound impact from the other side of the desk. 

The pair’s journey into teaching wasn’t a straight line. Neither majored in education. Eid earned her bachelor’s degree in political science, while Rochford studied family and consumer science. After graduation, both returned to Eden Prairie unsure of their next steps. Rochford became a special education paraprofessional at CMS, while Eid took a similar role at Oak Point Elementary. However, what started as transitional jobs quickly became callings. 

Eid, who had originally imagined herself as an elementary school teacher, said the paraprofessional role opened her eyes. “I still think that was so valuable because I learned a lot, and I learned about myself at the same time,” she expressed. “I don’t think I even really understood what special education encompassed.” 

Rochford’s experience mirrored Eid’s. “Similar to Laura, I ended up going back to school for my master’s in special education. I focused on emotional behavioral disorders (EBDs) and have been an EBD teacher ever since.” 

The two Eagles were first paired as co-teachers three years ago. Today, they co-teach in a Setting III special education program at CMS, which serves students with disabilities who spend more than 60% of their day outside of the general education classroom. Rochford teaches math and science, and Eid teaches English and social studies. Ask anyone who’s stepped inside their classroom, though, and they’ll tell you it’s not just a place for learning: It’s a place of belonging. 

In their room students feel safe, seen and valued. It’s a vibrant place, full of laughter, movement and meaningful connections. Students are encouraged to be themselves, and the adults in the room make sure each one knows they matter. It’s a space that prioritizes relationships — because Eid and Rochford know academics stick when a student feels like they belong. They make sure every learner sees themselves as capable, worthy and ready to succeed. 

“We always say, if students know you care about them, the rest will follow,” Rochford said. “Their academics, their behavior — it all comes together once they know they’re safe and supported.” 

“Belonging is so important, and helping kids find their spark,” said Eid. “We know that if kids don’t feel like they belong, they won’t learn. So we work hard to make sure they know they’re cared for.” 

Some of the duo’s most memorable teaching moments happen outside traditional instruction. One year, for example, they hosted a Thanksgiving lunch for their students. The room was transformed with decorations, and the students set tables to share a meal. They went around the room sharing what they were thankful for, creating a meaningful opportunity to practice emotional expression, build empathy and deepen their sense of community with one another. 

The sense of belonging Eid and Rochford have created hasn’t gone unnoticed by their students or their families: “I never knew teachers would be there for me like you guys,” one student recently told them. And in a letter describing the duo’s impact, one family wrote, “Our family is so grateful to you for helping our student learn more than just math or reading. You’ve helped him learn determination and resilience. You’ve helped him learn how to face his challenges and do hard things. And you’ve helped him learn he is worthy and deserving of being in a place where he is safe, loved and a good kid.” 

But perhaps the most defining moment of the educators’ partnership came during the 2023-24 school year, when they had to be there for each other. 

“I would say a big part of our duo-ship that actually made us who we are, and made us as close as we are, was last February,” Rochford said. “Laura was diagnosed with breast cancer.”

The students and staff quickly rallied behind her. Eid recalled, “A bunch of them wore beanies with me the first day I went to school with no hair, and a couple of kids even shaved their heads.” For Eid, the outpouring of care and consistency from Rochford made all the difference. “Having her there and knowing that she had my back at all times, it just made it a thousand times more bearable,” she said through tears. 

On Eid’s final day of radiation, Rochford and the students planned a surprise celebration by decorating their classroom with artwork and handwritten notes. One by one, the students stood and read their messages aloud, thanking Eid for her strength and her presence. 

Rochford reflected on what that season of life taught them both. “I think the biggest thing that I took away from last year was we taught kids how to be compassionate at tough times,” she said. “It helped me grow as a teacher, a colleague and a friend.” 

It was a time filled with care, courage and community, and one that revealed the kind of space Eid and Rochford had built together: a space where students don’t just learn about resilience and compassion, but witness it in action. 

That impact extends far beyond their classroom walls. “We get calls from the high school all the time,” Rochford smiled. Teachers say students miss them, talk about them and ask how they’re doing. “It just reminds us how important that relationship piece is.” 

It’s this continuous and lasting impact that has led both educators to receive substantial accolades. In 2024, Rochford was named the Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools Teacher of the Year for grades 6–12 & TASSEL. And this spring, Eid was named a semifinalist for Minnesota Teacher of the Year. These honors reflect the connection and community they’ve cultivated together. 

Between the two of them, Eid and Rochford have worked in or attended nearly every school in Eden Prairie Schools. In the same district where they once sat as students, these exceptional educators now show up every day to transform lives: their students’ and each other’s. Their personalities and styles differ, but that’s part of what makes them so effective. As one former student memorably joked, “It’s like having mom and dad around.” 

“We’ve made each other better,” Rochford said. “Better teachers, better coworkers, better people.” 

Listen to Laura and Julie's interview from our 100 Years of Inspiring Each Oral History Project!