Potomac School new teacher feature
Ashley Olsen is in her first year of teaching at Potomac School. She teaches second and third grade in a combined classroom as well as coaches volleyball and basketball.
POTOMAC - Ashley Olsen is the new second and third grade teacher at Potomac School.
Olsen looks forward to learning and growing in the classroom, deepening her teaching knowledge and meaningfully shaping her students' lives through poetry, reading and song.
Hailing from Minnesota, Olsen began her schooling at Saint Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Religion in 2011.
She moved from Minnesota to Montana in 2012 and has lived in Western Montana for the last six years. She completed her Elementary Education Bachelor of Arts degree at the U of M and graduated in 2018.
Olsen student taught in Arlee last year. This year she is teaching the second and third grade combined classroom at Potomac School along with coaching volleyball and basketball.
"Above all, I love exploring with students the vast richness of what it is to be human, which extends well beyond academics. Students' insight and humor amaze me and allow me to see the world in fresh ways," said Olsen.
Through the years she has driven through the Potomac valley accompanying her husband Peter on hunting and skiing trips.
"I was aware of the [Potomac] valley's beauty, though never knew about Potomac School," said Olsen. "I happened upon the job opening and was immediately intrigued."
Olsen was drawn to Potomac School's emphasis on community. "I knew [community] to be vital in supporting students' academic and socio-emotional wellbeing," she said.
Passionate about reading, the school-wide commitment to literacy convinced her that Potomac School was where Olsen wanted to teach.
"I want students to appreciate the value of close reading, listening and discussion, not only in English and language arts, but also in social studies, science and math," Olsen said.
Olsen also said she relishes the ongoing opportunity to utilize her creativity in every day workings.
"The most challenging aspect of teaching for me is the fact that there are never enough moments in a day to connect as deeply as I hope with each individual student."
Olsen lives in Missoula and commutes to Potomac. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking, backpacking, cross-country skiing, gardening and learning to play the ukulele. She and Peter hope to get some pets like dogs and cats.
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