Thank you for visiting!
My name is Therese O'Dea, and I have been working for NKCPS for 10 years. I actually completed my student teaching here and never left...I know a good place when I see it!
I live in Richmond, VA with my son "Ryan" and our 3 dogs! We love to be outside, and on the weekends you may find us at a farmer's market, kayaking, or hiking at state parks. On a rainy day, Ryan and I like to cook, snuggle up with a good book, or play boardgames.
I began my career as a general education teacher, and for the last five years I have had the honor of developing our Multi-Ability program at New Kent Elementary. I am SO excited to be teaching 4th grade now for the 2021-2022 school year. I have my BA in Elementary Education, my M.Ed. in Special Education, my educational leadership endorsement from Longwood, and I am currently pursuing my Doctor of Educational Leadership at VCU. I deeply value the importance of striving to be better than yesterday and consider myself equal parts learner to teacher.
I am inspired by some core beliefs in my daily practice:
All students belong, contribute, and deserve to thrive at NKES.
Our differences should be celebrated and valued. We were not made to fit one mold of student or family.
Everyone is on their own journey, and students that feel supported to bravely forge their own paths will unlock unlimited potential.
I am very passionate about creating inclusive, equitable environments for all students to feel safe and proud of their accomplishments. It is my hope that every student goes home more curious than when they arrived with the tools they need to find the answers to their questions. My goal is that the students at NKES learn kindness, communication, and problem-solving with one another in order to create sustainable, fulfilling futures. My commitment is that I will model hard work, an excitement for learning, and a commitment to our students' success each day.
Oh, and I'll try to make it pretty fun too.
Thank you for trusting me with your children,
Therese O'Dea