My name is Marisa De Oliveira, I’m a secondary school teacher. I have been teaching for 17(?) years - in all capacities: math, science, geography,  gym (1 time only...and I still have PTSD as a result!), english, history, spec/ed, ARD, SST.  I have also been the DH of SpecEd/ARD, but I currently find myself as the DH of Theology and Religious Education & Moderns - and NO, I do not speak French.

 

I hope that my colleagues and students see me as a Coach, Mentor, Mom and Auntie - my school is also my community, so I am invested in their well being. Parents and kids work hard - the challenge is getting students to invest now in their education so they can live with less challenges in their future. My kids are brutally honest - and wouldn’t want it any other way.

 

Challenges in education - equity. A good school is a school in which students are being advocated for with the goal in which students advocate for themselves. Unfortunately, in communities where parents/and caregivers are too busy surviving - there is very little advocacy being done, so the gaps continuously get bigger and bigger…and they “the community” sees these gaps as normal and there is a feeling of apathy that trickles throughout all branches.

 

I  have always wanted to be a teacher - so I am living my best life! 

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Thank you!