From Classroom to Conference: Audra Olson Shines as an Educator

At Oakhill Day School, we are fortunate to have educators who are deeply committed to their craft and always striving to grow as both leaders and learners. One such teacher is Audra Olson, a dedicated 5th-grade teacher who has gone above and beyond in her professional development this year.

Audra’s commitment to education was recently recognized when she received the prestigious Haistings Educational Grant Fund. In 2024, this grant allowed Audra to attend the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Conference in Chicago, an incredible opportunity for professional growth. The NCTM conference brings together educators from across the country to discuss the latest trends, research, and best practices in the field of mathematics education. Audra’s participation in this event demonstrates her ongoing commitment to enhancing her own skills and bringing new, innovative teaching practices to Oakhill’s 5th-grade classrooms.

But Audra’s dedication to her profession doesn’t stop there. She was also selected to present at the 2024 National ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States) Conference, which took place in St. Louis on November 7. Her presentation focused on Conscious Discipline, a transformative approach to behavior management that emphasizes social-emotional learning, connection, and respect. During the 2023-2024 school year, Audra devoted countless hours to preparing and training her fellow Oakhill faculty and staff on how to implement this approach school-wide. Her efforts reflect her passion for fostering a supportive and positive learning environment for all of Oakhill’s students.

Audra’s achievements this year are a testament to her incredible work ethic, her commitment to professional development, and her love for teaching. As a teacher at Oakhill, she doesn’t just focus on her own classroom—she actively seeks opportunities to strengthen our entire school community. From leading professional development initiatives to attending conferences and sharing new ideas, Audra is always striving to be the best version of herself as an educator.

At Oakhill, we recognize the importance of fostering lifelong learning in both our students and our faculty. Audra Olson exemplifies this philosophy. We are so proud to have her as part of our Oakhill family and look forward to the continued impact she will have on our students and the broader education community.

Please join us in congratulating Audra Olson on her achievements, and stay tuned for more exciting developments as she continues to grow and lead in her role as an educator.