I wanted the opportunity to teach in a place where experience-based learning is the goal and students’ growth is the focus.
Rachel O’Callaghan, originally from Fredericksburg, Virginia, earned a B.S. in psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2014 and an M.Ed. in elementary education from the University of Mary Washington in 2016. She currently serves as a second-grade teacher at the Academy at Elkin. Read on to learn more:
Why did you choose to work at the Academy at Elkin?
I wanted the opportunity to teach in a place where experience-based learning is the goal and students’ growth is the focus.
What's your favorite part about working at the Academy at Elkin?
My favorite part is the shared love for students, the collaboration between staff, and the freedom to try new things!
What was your favorite subject when you were in elementary school?
Science
The Academy at Elkin has a reading literacy focus. What is your favorite book?
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
“Learning together” is a core commitment of the Academy at Elkin. What does "learning together" mean to you?
It means having meaningful conversations that allow you to embrace new ideas and thoughts.
Describe an experience where you "learned together" at the Academy at Elkin.
We [the teachers] learned together during our professional development week and left with a good understanding of restorative practices, morning meetings, and curriculum!
Just for fun, what is your favorite candy?
Dark Chocolate-covered Almonds
Rachel O’Callaghan
