Meet Jean Meier
Jean Meier, Birch Den Lead Teacher
Birch Den, Lead Math Teacher
What subjects and grade levels do you teach? I teach 5th and 6th grade and specialize in math.
What is your educational or professional background? I have a BA. in classical history and computer science from Emory and an MS in educational technology from John's Hopkins University
What inspired you to become an educator? I love school so much that I never wanted to leave.
How long have you been part of the Oak House community? This is my first year at Oak House!
Why Oak House? I'm neurodivergent and love helping students love learning and find how they can break down barriers to find their own interests. I wanted to work somewhere that believes kids do well if they can.
What do you enjoy most about teaching at Oak House? I'm excited to collaborate with the other Birch Den teachers and build co-intelligence with the whole community.
What makes the Oak House community special to you? Oak House embraces all the ways students show up, and finds how they can access learning in ways that work for them.
What is something you want every student to feel when they enter your classroom? I want students to feel welcome to make mistakes.
What is one lesson, unit, or classroom project you especially enjoy teaching? I love teaching students to explore different counting and base number systems.
What is something your students have taught you? There are too many things to list! The lesson I have used most in my own life is to give myself and other grownups more grace. Seeing kids have their emotions up front helps me remember that everyone else has those feelings too, even if I don't see them.
What do you hope students remember bout your class after the school year ends? I want students to walk away believing that the more you learn, the more you can learn, and that everyone can access STEM when they have the right tools.
What do you enjoy doing outside of school? I love making, biking, and binging Korean rom-coms.
What is a hobby, interest, or talent that students and families might be surprised to learn about you? I love playing with makeup, even though I rarely wear any.
What book, movie, television show, podcast, game, or artist are you currently enjoying? I just got a switch and love playing Mario Kart with my loved ones.
If you could teach a class about anything, not necessarily a traditional school subject, what would it be? The history of workplace disasters and the development of safety standards and emergency logistics.
What is one place you would love to visit? I want to see Ireland and learn more about my family history.
What is your favorite way to spend a day off? Watching Taskmaster New Zealand while I work on sewing projects.
What is the best advice you have ever received? Go slow to go to fast. I default to tornado mode and need to remember slowing down helps avoid rushing down the wrong paths.
Who is an educator, mentor, or historical figure who has influenced you? John Sweller is a cognitive load researcher at the University of New South Wales whose work I use every day.
Is there anything else you would like the Oak House community to know about you? I love public transit and attend way too many MARTA community meetings.
