Meet Kell McGowan
Lead Teacher, Elementary Math, Lower School Theater
What is your educational or professional background? Bachelor's degree in Business Marketing, Trained in Multisensory Math Teaching
What inspired you to become an educator? The challenges and trauma I experienced in school as a neurodiverse child and the passion I feel to ensure that other children have a better, more loving, supportive and accepting experience than I did.
How long have you been part of the Oak House community? 2+ years
Why Oak House? Their dedication to provide neurodivergent students and their parents with the best educational experience possible! They approach every family with support, kindness, respect and empathy.
What do you enjoy most about teaching at Oak House? Seeing the students understand, relate, empathize and support each other thru the challenge of healing from past trauma.
What makes the Oak House community special to you? I remember the first thing I was told from a fellow teacher about Oak House was it was a place that not only is it ok for students to make mistakes it’s also a place where adults can make mistakes and learn and grow from them too. That’s what makes the Oak House culture so special to me.
What is something you want every student to feel when they enter your classroom? Acceptance for who they are respect and valued as an human being and supported no matter what they’re going through
What is one lesson, unit, or classroom project you especially enjoy teaching? I love teaching the group math games and showing the students examples of honesty, integrity, good sportsmanship and other positive life lessons it’s important to learn to become a good human being.
What is something your students have taught you? That past trauma can be overcome, in time, by surrounding yourself with the right people in the right environment.
What do you hope students remember bout your class after the school year ends? That learning can be fun..and that progress matters the most, not the problem. And that it’s ok to ask for help when you need it. And that they deserve, as much as everyone else, to take up space in this world
What do you enjoy doing outside of school? Connecting with animals
What is a hobby, interest, or talent that students and families might be surprised to learn about you? I live on a farm with 17 goats and other animals!
What book, movie, television show, podcast, game, or artist are you currently enjoying? The essentials of Rumi
If you could teach a class about anything, not necessarily a traditional school subject, what would it be? Animal Welfare
What is one place you would love to visit? India
What is your favorite way to spend a day off? Somewhere connecting with animals
What is the best advice you have ever received? Find a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life
Who is an educator, mentor, or historical figure who has influenced you? Martin Luther King Jr
Is there anything else you would like the Oak House community to know about you? I believe that we are never too old to lose our inner child.
