Hillary Ocallaghan

Background

About Hillary Ocallaghan

I grew up in the Sierra Nevada foothills before completing my bachelor’s degree in communication at UC Santa Barbara. After having kids, I went back to school to earn my multiple-subject teaching credential for K-12. I enjoy hiking, playing with my four children, and life’s unpredictable nature. I am a deep supporter of breastfeeding and entrepreneurship. My family and I live in a tiny house constructed mostly with recycled materials and self-engineered, off-grid systems for a self-sufficient life in our small mountain community. I am passionate about teaching and sharing ways to instill grit, gratitude and compassion in our community. Approaching education from a progressivist stance, I strive to be the facilitator in my students' learning experiences. My lessons are often designed using the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, which ensures multiple supports are in place before the lesson begins, in order to anticipate each student's needs. The purpose of school is to mold our youth into responsible, informed, and resourceful citizens. I hold high expectations for all of my students, both academically and socially. I also coach volleyball and basketball, teach journalism and produce a school newspaper, teach leadership and student government, as well as own several digital assets that promote entrepreneurship for teachers. Ask me how to maintain a teaching career, take care of yourself and your family, AND build long term wealth. This is attainable for each of us. Let's close the gap for teachers who struggle to meet their financial goals, yet give so much value to our communities.