Ellie Metcalf

Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education
Washington State University

Why did you become an educator?
In my 1st grade class, we were asked the important question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, and I wrote down, “I want to be a teacher.”  Since I can remember, there has been no other career I have wanted to do more. The best feeling in the word to me is when I see a child’s lightbulb go off in their head when they understand what you are teaching them. As a student in elementary school, I struggled. My reading and math skills were not as developed as the rest of my peers, but two teachers changed that for me. These two wonderful ladies altered my learning experience forever. They gave me hope in my academic abilities when I had none, they instilled confidence in me when it wasn’t there, and they had faith in me when I didn’t in myself. I am inspired to be in education because of them. I want to impact the future learners of this world the way they did for me. Having faith in someone and being that support system can change a student’s life. Being a teacher is more than just teaching a lesson plan, it is working with students when they are struggling and reassuring them all people develop and learn differently and that is okay. I want to inspire kids who feel they cannot succeed that they can. My teachers were my voice for me when I felt like I didn’t have one, and I plan do the same for all my future students.

What is your favorite quote:
“The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.” -Confucius

What is your favorite book:
In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez

Why I enjoy teaching at OLF?
What I like most about working at OLF is being a part of the community. Every person, from faculty and staff, to the students and parents are kindhearted individuals who want the best for the people around them. This community creates an environment allowing for people to strive and reach their full potential as a learner, friend, and neighbor.

Outside of school, I enjoy…
Outside of school I enjoy being with friends and family, working out, and shopping.