My name is Nancy Olson. I grew up in Cape Elizabeth as the youngest of five children. While a second grader at Cottage Farms School, I knew that I wanted to be an elementary school teacher (second grade to be exact). I loved my teacher, Mrs. Sargent, and had two aunts, two brothers, and a sister-in-law with teaching certificates. I often played "school" with my friends. I really liked being the teacher, mimicking my role models. Since then, my interest in teaching young children has never wavered.

I graduated from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1978 with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Special Education. I worked for Tulsa Public Schools 1978-1979 implementing Special Education programs. From 1979 through 1983, I came to South Portland working as a Resource Room teacher. Beginning in 1983, I attended Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky for two years earning a Masters in Arts and Religion Degree. Returning to South Portland School Department in 1988, my experience includes that of a Math/Reading tutor for 1 year, Grade 1 for 4 years and Grade 3 for 7 years at the then, Redbank Elementary, at Kaler Elementary for 2 years at Grade 1, and since September of 2002 I have taught Grade 2 students at Small Elementary School.

There are a number of things that I enjoy when I am not at school. Cake decorating, reading, cooking, knitting, crocheting, gardening, flower arranging, and traveling with Mr. Olson and my stepsons, Ben and Isaac, are wonderful!

It is so much fun to be creative and experiencing new things and places. I look forward to spending time with friends and relatives as well. Teaching second graders is a great "fit" for me. I enjoy the enthusiasm, individuality, and desire to learn that seven and eight year olds bring to the classroom. One of the greatest joys of teaching is observing children put skills together, growing in their reading, writing, and math. Watching a child "get" a new skill, then apply it, truly is remarkable. They love to use and build upon their knowledge. How much better can it be?!

Ms. Stevens has been teaching elementary school for nine years. She has spent all nine years at D.L. Small Elementary School teaching second or third grade. She holds a M.Ed. in literacy education as well as a M.S. and a Ph.D. in research psychology. Prior to teaching elementary school, she worked as college faculty member, but she is thrilled to now be working with energetic and inquisitive children.

When not working, Ms. Stevens enjoys a wide variety of activities. She loves to travel, swim, kayak, and hike. She is attempting to learn to play tennis and to ski. Reading, music, and spending time with family are other favorite pastimes. Most of all she loves being outside.