Meet Zoe Brillante
Lead Teacher (Lower School)
What subjects and grade levels do you teach? 3rd and 4th Grade Literacy and Lower School Theater
What is your educational or professional background? Trained in OG at Classroom Educator Level, 60 hours Structured Word Inquiry Training, BA in Sociology from Georgia State University
What inspired you to become an educator? I’ve always wanted to teach kids and provide a safe space as they navigate a world where they don’t yet know what they don’t know. I had some great teachers and some terrible ones, but both inspired me to want to teach.
How long have you been part of the Oak House community? This is my third year!
Why Oak House? At Oak House, we prioritize students’ wellbeing before academics. I love that we value students’ autonomy and teach practices about getting consent and listening to their bodies. It’s beautiful to watch kids flourish when they are allowed the space to have autonomy
What do you enjoy most about teaching at Oak House? I love that I get to tailor lessons to students’ special interests! Syllable division lessons where students learn how to say their favorite Pokémon’s name? Sign me up!
What makes the Oak House community special to you? That everyone in the community is treated as full humans and valued for their perspectives, interests, and needs. Also, we see behaviors usually perceived as “bad” as opportunities to problem-solve.
What is something you want every student to feel when they enter your classroom? I hope students feel safe and comfortable. I truly want every student to feel known by their teachers, and small class sizes mean that we all get to come out of our shells and flourish.
What is one lesson, unit, or classroom project you especially enjoy teaching? I love teaching etymology, especially using students’ name origins to show them how language develops and where it comes from. I also love finishing a unit with a “Be the Teacher” project. It’s so cool to watch students teach a lesson to their peers and show what they know!
What is something your students have taught you? I have learned so much from my students. My favorite was being taught how to play chess by a 7 year old, despite my initial stubbornness!
What do you hope students remember about your class after the school year ends? I hope that they remember how smart and capable they are and that they build confidence with Literacy. And I hope that they remember that there is no “good” or “bad” handwriting. Expressing your ideas in writing is always good, no matter how it looks.
What do you enjoy doing outside of school? I enjoy hiking, seeing live music, playing with my cats, playing Pokémon, and reading non-fiction.
