Functional Academics & transition

Charli O'Malley

About Me


My name is Charli O’Malley. I grew up in Boulder City, Nevada. I live in Crockett with my stepdaughter and boyfriend. We bought out house in October 2021 and are enjoying all that comes with home ownership and expanding our animal family. Over the summer we adopted a kitten. We have 2 dogs, 2 cats, a bunny and 6 chickens.

I received my B.A. from San Diego State University, then earned my M.A. in Special Education with an emphasis in Extensive Support Needs and a specialization in Deafblindness from San Francisco State University. I recently completed courses towards earning my Administrative Services Credential at SFSU.

I prefer to spend my time maintaining my garden and engaging in home projects. I enjoy running 5K's as well as hiking the trails around my neighborhood. I love to spend time with my 6 year old stepdaughter, Raeden.





Favorites

Colors: Green

Drink: Kombucha

Food: organic, home grown food & beef jerky

TV Show: always changing- currently Good Girls, The Orville, and Barry

Sport: Bocce

Animal: Chickens

Hobbies: Running, Gardening, Camping, & Backpacking

ABOVE: May 2020, my family and I drove by my senior's houses to wish them a happy graduation

RIGHT: Halloween 2021- Audrey, Audrey 2, and Seymour


teaching philosophy

My philosophy of education is that all kids benefit from inclusive classrooms that hold high expectations. I believe academic achievement and learning, friendships, and positive post school outcomes are a direct result of such classrooms. It is my belief that students with disabilities are capable of making progress in the general education curriculum and can be viewed as valued members of their classroom communities.

I aim to create classroom comm(you)nities based on individual strengths that allow meaningful access to curriculum and meaningful assessment. My role as the teacher is to present a curriculum that considers individual needs and learning style. Learning should be hands on, relevant and authentic. Questions to consider are: what does the student feel, do, want and like? Furthermore, I am an advocate for using technology as much as possible to facilitate learning and assessment. Technology is a functional skill that gives students access to the world and makes them innovative learners.

I am an educator that values personal growth and collaboration with others. In the past I have worked with co-workers to promote inclusion and modify curriculum. I value reflective opportunities and staying up to date on research based best practices within the field. I seek professional development opportunities throughout the school year. I am open and willing to try new things as I believe there are no limits to creativity, exploration and learning. My philosophy originates from the strong, inclusion focused, education I received at San Francisco State University.