Olivia Pretty

Background

About Olivia Pretty

Everyone knew I was meant to teach before I ever did. Growing up, I always aspired to be a doctor. It wasn't until my third year of my undergraduate degree that I had an epiphany. My mother asked me if I ever thought about being a teacher, and I hadn't. But as I sat with that thought, I realized that in one way or another, I've taught my entire life. Throughout elementary and junior high, I would walk around my classroom and offer my help to my peers after I had finished my own work. In high school, while my teacher had a line up of students with questions at their desk, I also had a line up of my peers at my desk. In university, my favourite way to study was to "teach" the material to my classmates. Over the years, I've been involved in various educational events (Discover Chemistry Days, STEM Fest, Dalhousie Science Open House), tutored, and coached track and field. I always delighted in seeing a concept "click" in the minds of others. Reflecting on all of this made me realize that teaching is not just a strength of mine, but it is something that fulfills me. I am a firm believer in differentiating instruction to adapt to the various learning needs of my students. In my lifetime, I've realized that different people require different methods and/or materials in order to master a concept. Determining the most effective teaching approach for my individual students is a challenge that excites me; everyone is capable of learning, and I am an educator who will work with my students to discover how they learn best. Above all, I believe my most useful skill is developing relationships with my students. You cannot teach someone who you don't know, so learning about my students both academically and personally helps me to tailor the class content and assessment pieces to better support their success. That being said, fostering relationships with your students is about so much more than their academic success- it's about establishing a mutual respect, earning students' trust, and becoming a genuine supporter in their lives.