Track 3 ~ 2nd Grade
ABOUT MRS. O'HARE...
All About Mrs. O'Hare...
I'm very excited to be a part of the Olive Chapel Elementary community again this year! This is my 13th year of teaching and my seventh year in 2nd grade! I started my teaching career at Estes Hills Elementary in Chapel Hill, where I taught 3rd grade. I then moved to Carpenter Elementary and taught 3rd grade for another two years. I loved all my time in 3rd grade but I had always wanted to teach second and I'm so glad I made the switch!
Growing Up
I was born in St. Petersburg, FL. but only lived there for a few years before moving to Winston-Salem, NC. I have younger twin sisters, Danielle and Kenzie. As a kid I loved to camp, read, color, ride my bike, make up plays, go to the beach, and use my creativity. Some of my favorite books growing up were Goosebumps, and the Little House on the Prairie series.
School
During high school I realized I wanted to be a teacher (before that I always thought I'd be a doctor!). Because of my goal I worked hard and knew I needed to go to college. I chose to go to UNC-Chapel Hill (go heels!). In college I got to meet new people, read new books, and even traveled out of the country for the first time! I traveled to Costa Rica and Germany and got the travel "bug" (that means I now love to travel!). I graduated in 2008 with my degree in Elementary Education. After working for a few years I decided I wasn't done being a student and I went back to get my Master's degree. In 2013 I graduated again with my Masters, this time with a focus on literacy (reading & writing). And yet again in 2019 I was back to learning, and I earned my National Board Certification (that was REALLY hard and challenged my Growth Mindset)! Am I done? Who knows? I love learning;)
Currently
It's always an adventure in the O'Hare household! Right now Mr. O'Hare and I live in Durham, NC with our daughter Teagan (6), and our son Finn (almost 3). Teagan will be in first grade this year at OCE! We also have a fluffy dog named Tate:). Mr. O'Hare is a realtor in the area, which means he likes to help people buy and sell houses! When I'm not teaching I enjoy being outside, traveling, reading, playing board games, getting together with friends, and taking pictures. You can often find me at a park, Target (I LOVE Target:), any frozen yogurt place, or exploring new places (we've recently been trying local restaurants and shops in Downtown Durham).
I'm looking forward to learning all about you this year!
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My Teaching Mission
In my eyes, a teacher should be a support for students to learn at their own pace and through their own exploration. It is my responsibility to advocate for my students, partner with all families, and create a learning environment where students feel safe to take risks. As I go through my teaching journey I am committed to working on cultivating an anti-racist space in the way I teach, how I learn from students and families, and how I guide students. I firmly believe all my students can grow and stretch their brains through hard work, positive support, and a collaborative classroom.
Mrs. O'Hare's Favorites:)
Season: Fall
Animal: Frog
Color: Green
Sport: (to play) Soccer; (to watch) Basketball
Team: UNC!
Country I've Visited: Italy
Ice Cream Flavor: Chocolate Chip
Book Characters: Grace, Willy Wonka, Humphrey
Foods: Guacamole, Frozen Yogurt, Pizza
Restaurants: Panera, Red Robin
Flower: Calla Lily, Hydrangeas
Movie: Little Giants
Stores: Amazon (is that a store? :), Target
Drinks: La Croix water, Starbucks, Wake Zone
School Supplies: Post-It notes, Colorful pens and sharpies