[ Ms. Odell ]
WELCOME!
On this website, you can access all types of resources that you'll need to stay up to date with your class.
You will find links to class syllabi, my grading policy, online resources, campus and community event announcements, and contact information. For more detailed information on our weekly classwork, please go to our Google Classroom page. Links to corresponding content and skills standards are included for each class.
I look forward to meeting and working with you all this year! Please reach out via email with any questions you may have.
Cheers,
Ms. Odell
ABOUT ME
Born and raised in Sacramento, the stolen ancestral lands of the Nisenan peoples, I returned to my hometown last year to begin my journey at Westlake Charter High. In 2022-2023 I taught 10th Grade World History + Honors World History, and World Dance, a new performing arts/world cultures elective that I developed in the Fall of 2022.
This year (2023-2024) I will once again teach 10th Grade World History, Honors World History, as well as lead the new Music Studies elective.
I value the presence and knowledges of ALL languages, ages, gender expressions, cultures, racial and ethnic communities, religions, and abilities in the classroom. I will work hard to get to know each and every one of my learners, making sure that students and families feel welcomed and empowered when entering our class space and campus.
Highlights of my Teaching Career and Educational Journey
In Spring 2022, I earned my Masters in Teaching Secondary History and Social Sciences and English Learner Authorization as a member of UC Berkeley's Educators for Equity and Excellence (BE3) Masters Program.
My Master's Thesis research explored the impacts of incorporating storytelling into history classes for multilingual, newly-immigrated learners. To view my thesis film, email me and I'll send you a link.
During this program, I served as a Student Teacher for 12th Grade Government for English Learners at Tennyson High School in Hayward, CA and 11th Grade US History for English Learners at Richmond High School in Richmond, CA.
Before returning to California in 2021, I lived for 2 years outside of Atlanta, Georgia, initially working as a musical theater performer and theater arts educator with Serenbe Playhouse (2019-2020). It was right before COVID when I realized my desire to transition from performing as a career, to instead utilizing performing arts as effective tools for developing students' historical thinking skills.
From 2020 to 2021, I served as the inaugural Spark Studio Guide (1st-grade teacher) with Acton Academy at Serenbe, even leading a Theatre elective that culminated in a traveling outdoor show (The Topsy, Turvy Fairytale Trail) performed by the 1st-8th graders.
Right after graduating high school in 2015, I moved across the country to Ohio to attend Denison University (a liberal arts college in Granville, Ohio) graduating in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and 2 Minors in Education Studies and Vocal Performance. My schooling journey over the last 8 years shows how it is possible (and quite common) to have many different interests, to change your mind, to start over from scratch, and to turn unexpected hurdles into amazing opportunities. I was able to afford my initial college experience through scholarships and grants, working multiple jobs on and off campus, working as a Resident Assistant, and even competing in singing competitions around the country.