Makeup: Learning the Everyday Basics

Hello everyone! I am Olivia Lewis, a passionate teacher excited for the opportunity to work with you and your students. I have been working towards becoming a teacher since the third grade when I taught math to Kindergarteners and realized I loved to teach. Since then, I have grabbed every opportunity I can to teach, mentor, and be a role model to children. I have worked as a piano teacher, a babysitter, a private tutor of high school math and English, a high school freshman link crew leader, a volunteer science educator for first and second grade through Gonzaga's Science in Action program, a level 2 ELD student teacher in the middle school, and a museum educator for grades K-5 at the Smithsonian-affiliated High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon. I am additionally working towards my teaching certifications, as I am currently working on my Masters in Initial Teaching for secondary (middle and high school) education at Gonzaga University. 
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in History during my undergraduate work, so the majority of my classes here on Outschool are history-focused. I have a series of American Girl Doll history classes that work to teach real US history through the stories of American Girl's Historical dolls. I one day hope to have a class for each doll, so if I am not yet offering a course covering a specific American Girl Doll, be sure to check back soon!
I grew up with a navy parent and had the pleasure of living in places across the US and even as distant as Guam. Because of that, I have traveled all over Asia and Australia, and most recently had the pleasure of living in Scotland for four months. As such, I am currently developing and launching history classes for older learners focused on Scottish history and a few more of my historical passions. 
I'm not just a history nerd though, I also love to be creative and artistic. If I'm not studying for school, I can likely be found playing around with makeup, playing the piano, painting, embroidering, or baking. I love to help kids tap into their creative sides, so many of my classes focus on makeup and art as a means of self-expression. Additionally, for older learners, I have a series of courses that focus on developing academic/life skills like public speaking and writing in a setting that allows them to engage with peers that have similar interests. I want all of my classes to be fun and excite learners' curiosity to explore the subjects through hands-on experiences, class discussions, and guided tutorials. 
I am a firm believer that learning is a creative process that happens through experiences, collaboration, and exposure to multiple perspectives. I believe that learning should be a highly individualized experience that takes into consideration each student's personal needs, beliefs, and abilities. I know that every child has something to offer, and every child has great potential within them, which is why as an educator, I strive to meet every child where they are at and push them to grow and perform at their own personal best. 
While learning should be fun, it is my expectation that all learners who come to my classes will be prepared to participate in activities, and be active learners, even if that means simply being active listeners. Students will be expected to listen carefully, follow instructions, and only speak in discussions or if called upon. I believe that teaching is a collaboration between the students, the teacher, and the parents. As such, if you have any questions, requests for your student, or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me so I can help to make my classes the best possible experience for all students and parents alike.