Olivia Mitchell graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Vocal Music. She has been teaching at McNeill Elementary for five years, and completed her student teaching there while in school. She is currently completing her master’s degree to become a Literacy Specialist and participating in the GRECC rank-change program.

She attended Kindergarten through high school in Bowling Green Independent’s School district. She is honored to be a teacher in this district, and be a part of a special community that constantly strives for excellence and goes above and beyond to help each student reach their potential, just like this district did for her as a student.

What has been the most rewarding part of being a teacher?

“The most rewarding part of my job is helping a child read independently for the first time. The excitement a student feels when they first learn to read on their own is incredible, and it fuels my love for my job.”

Why did you choose a career in education?

“I chose a career in education because I was inspired by several incredible teachers when I was in school. In high school, I participated in the Co-op program and assisted a teacher in her elementary classroom daily. That opportunity allowed me to know with certainty the career path I wanted to pursue.”

In her free time, Olivia enjoys playing golf, walking, hiking and curling up with coffee and a good book. Her favorite book is “Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo. Her favorite part of teaching is watching how much students grow from the beginning of the year. Olivia says, “It is so rewarding to help students learn to read and become strong mathematicians and see their confidence soar.”