Mrs. Olea

Since about age 11, I knew I wanted to teach. After getting my multiple subject credential and BA degree in 1981, I applied for a job with the district where I did my student teaching, Elk Grove Unified in Sacramento County. I had my 21 year-old heart set on First Grade, but did not get hired before the school year started. I was so disappointed. I began substitute teaching in Roseville, near my home. In October, I received a call for a 5^th grade position. I was too young and inexperienced, but taught 5^th grade for 3 years. After 3 years, I applied for a different position, as a prep period teacher. I did that for 3 years, but missed classroom teaching, so moved into a 2^nd grade position. During that time, we had about 35 students in a class, so decided to go back to school, with the goal of teaching in a small-group environment, such as Speech and Language. There were no night classes available, and I needed to work…..so I kept looking. Special Ed/RSP classes were offered at night…so that was my solution. I went back to college while working full-time and earned my masters in Special Education and an RSP certificate. Fortunately for me,  I was moved to an SDC position at my school, because the SDC teacher took another position. I worked there for three years, got married, had two kids, moved, and took a leave of absence from Elk Grove. I eventually resigned. In 2001, after being home for four years, I was hired Eureka Union. It has been THE BEST 15 years of my career!