Michelle Olson was nominated by her principal, Peter Park
William Arthur Ward states, "The mediocre teacher tells, the good teacher explains, the superior teacher demonstrates, the great teacher inspires."
Ward's quote perfectly describes Booksin Elementary School's intervention specialist Michelle Olson. After 20+ years in the classroom, Mrs. Olson decided to devote 100% of her workday to students who need additional support. She not only has a big heart, but she proactively analyzes school-wide data in order to quickly and efficiently serve struggling students.
Moreover, Mrs. Olson's friendly, collegial demeanor makes her an effective facilitator with students, colleagues, and parents. During parent conferences, she often provides a specific, detailed analysis of student progress. She also gives presentations to the staff. In short, Mrs. Olson is a LifeChanger because she provides life changing intervention services, unites parents, staff, and students, and is an instructional leader on campus.
Michelle is more deserving of the lifeChanger award than anyone I know. I have had the opportunity to work side by side as a parent and a teacher with Michelle. My son had her in First Grade when I, as a parent, was struggling to get him to read and could not pinpoint what his struggles were. I remember Michelle sitting down with me at our parent-teacher conference with a wealth of knowledge of exactly where we needed to target, what strategies we both as a team were going to use and how we were going to help him on his path to reading. She was his LifeChanger that year and not only got him reading quickly but helped him develop a LOVE for reading also. She has inspired me to get my teaching credential and also help students learn to read. As a teacher at her school, I still rely heavily on Michelle's knowledge and LifeChanging strategies with the students in my class. She pulls them everyday for intervention and works tirelessly with them to become better readers and writers. She takes the time to truly figure each individual out, what their strengths and weaknesses are and shares the strategies she uses with all the teachers to help that student. She has been a model teacher to me and one I am still striving to be. Michelle is a LifeChanger not only to students but for interacting with parents, her fellow teachers and is the glue and support for our whole school community.
Michelle Olson is AN EDUCATOR in the full sense of the word. I am a long-term Guest Teacher (Substitute Teacher). At the beginning of the school year, Ms.Olson approached me, introduced herself to me, and offered her services to me. Everything I needed she provided: the detailed reports of students' progress; teaching tools for me to efficiently and effectively teach and reach struggling students; and a private class with me to explain reports, data, and terminology so that I could professionally answer parents' questions during Parent-Teacher Conferences. She is a true educator to students, staff, and administrators.
Michelle is one of the most incredible people I know. She gives absolutely all she has into what she does...I'm still trying to figure out how she can do all she does in the same amount of hours that I have. She is always the first to answer my call late at night to walk me through any question I may have...I wouldn't be half the teacher I was without her as my mentor, and friend. She is the most deserving person I could ever think of for this award!
MIchelle is an outstanding educator. She is always there to lend a helping hand whenever needed. I feel like I can go to her when I need support or advice on how to solve a difficult problem. She is extremely supportive, by offering ways to solve problems that I might have when helping my students reach their full potential. My students have flourished under her talented hand and have grown in leaps and bounds beyond my expectations. In my nearly twenty years of education there is no one more deserving than Michelle Olson.
My daughter has both had Mrs. Olson as a teacher in the second grade as well as worked with in her a few years later to assure that she was on target with her reading articulation and comprehension. As a parent at the school, I have noticed that Mrs. Olson has a positive outlook and a quite presence in the school community. Advocating where it makes the most impact for the kids and her peers. She is compassionate with the students and sees the best in each of them. Our school is so lucky to have Mrs. Olson who deeply cares about educating all children.
As a teacher new to Booksin, I so greatly appreciate Michelle Olson's approachable, supportive manner. She goes above and beyond when it comes to her dedication to her students, and they truly look forward to her small group lessons. They know she cares. Michelle provides valuable information to the classroom teachers about each and every student she works with, and everyone benefits from her experience, knowledge, and professionalism.
In the 15 years that I've known Michelle Olson at Booksin, there has never been a time that I haven't been proud and grateful to know that she is part of our staff. She is dependable, organized, caring, and thoroughly in touch with her students. As a team player, there is none better. I am grateful for her flexibility in helping out when needed and am thankful to call her a co-worker.
Michelle Olson is highly deserving of this, or any other, award!
Michelle has been an excellent teacher over the years and very well respected and knowledgeable by administrators, teachers, and parents alike. My daughter had her for second grade and the children really loved Mrs. Olson. She is patient, caring, very well spoken and a positive voice. My other daughter benefited from her time with Michelle as an Intervention Specialist. I cannot thank Michelle enough for the boost of confidence that she was able to provide for my daughter over the past two years. The additional support made such a difference and we have seen great improvements in reading comprehension and writing as a result of the work that she did with our daughter. Michelle is invaluable to Booksin and our community. Our family has been so fortunate to have had the opportunity to be taught by such a great teacher/leader. Michelle is most deserving of this reward as she has been such a successful leader and has influenced so many children in a positive way for many years.
Michelle is always available to answer a question or help out with anything from learning a program to understanding data on a child. In addition, her ability to connect with children is irreplaceable. Prior to being our Intervention Specialist, she was a classroom teacher and some of my students had her as a teacher. When my 5th-grade students had to write about a teacher that they admired the most, often it was about Michelle. Besides students admiring her, she exudes warmth and demonstrates her care for students through her actions. I've witnessed Michelle picking up students in their classrooms and as they're walking back to her room, they're chatting up a storm with her about what they're learning and Michelle is all ears. Michelle is a true leader, teacher and listener. I vote for her!
Michelle is such a positive person who will support you in any way she can!
It is wonderful to have Michelle Olson as a Booksin instructional leader on campus because she knows how to target students' need and help them excel to the next level.
I have watched Michelle grow in her career from an enthusiastic young teacher into a fine, dedicated educator and mentor. She cares for her students and is dedicated to their overall education but especially to their reading and writing skills.
Michelle Olson is by far one of the finest educators that San Jose Unified school district has been blessed with. She loves children and is so dedicated to her calling. She certainly deserves this award.
What a fitting award for an amazing teacher and wonderful person. She already has the triple crown—students, their families and her colleagues at school all love and respect her.
We were so excited to see Mrs. Olson nominated for this recognition - well deserved!
Michelle has been a part of the Booksin family for as long as I can remember. She comes with a smile and a positive attitude every day. When she sees the children, her whole face lights up with joy. She is an inspiration not only to the students, but also the staff and community she serves. Michelle is an exemplary teacher who has given everything she has every day she works. She has changed many lives both young and old alike.
Mrs Olson does a fantastic job helping her students. She is deserving of this award.
Mrs. Olson is awesome! It takes a special person to work with struggling students and Michelle Olson is truly that kind of person.
Mrs Olson helped our son tremendously. She determined that he had learning challenges that were making his classroom behavior not be a true reflection of his academic capabilities and pushed to get him into an academic environment that could support him adequately. She was very kind, astute in her analysis of his situation, and persistent in giving him a space where he could thrive.
Michelle is the best hands down!
My daughter has Mrs. Olsen in 2nd grade and she was a loving, caring, amazing teacher!!
Ms.Olsrn is a game changer. She made a tremendous impact in my children's life and we feel honored to have had the opportunity to have learned from her!
She is the most kind, caring, loving teacher!!
My oldest daughter was fortunate enough to have Michelle Olson as her 2nd grade teacher, she’s amazing, such a fantastic role model! We vote Mrs Olson as LifeChanger of the year for her tireless advocacy in helping educate our youth!
The Spada Family
Michelle's dedication is truly noteworthy. Her efforts help to build the character of all the students she works with.
Michelle sets an example for all of us!
Not only does Michelle work directly with students with the highest needs, she also communicated progress with teachers and parents. In addition, Michelle also tracks student progress by analyzing student data. We at Booksin are lucky to have her!
Michelle's high level of professionalism and kindness is exceptional. She is always thinking of students first and finding ways to help serve them best. Not only is she extremely knowledgeable, she is also a strong force as a leader and adviser for staff. I can always count on Michelle to be there to encourage, support, and offer advice whenever needed. She is amazing!!
Mrs. Olson is a wealth of knowledge and is always willing to help her colleagues. She cares for the well being of her students and works tirelessly to make sure her students get the support they need to succeed.
Michelle is an outstanding teacher and valued colleague. She is always willing to help or lend an ear. She is passionate about helping struggling students and is very talented at doing so.
Mrs. Olson has a heart of gold. There is noone more deserving!
I have been beyond lucky to call Michelle my mentor & friend for the past 6 years. I can’t think of a more deserving nominee!
Michelle has made an enormous positive impact on not only many of my students, but also on how I teach. She has been an amazing guide in these early years of my teaching career offering incredible advice and encouraging words which directly positively impact my students. I cannot think of a more amazing person who is so deserving of such recognition.
She is more than deserving of this award. You know it the moment you see a troubled student cross her path. It’s almost like magic the way the student transforms. She works tirelessly to help struggling learners and the growth they make with her help is incredible.
You are a beautiful person and deserve the recognition. God bless!
Michelle’s lifetime commitment to education is remarkable!
Beyond raising 3 AMAZING children and 1 hard working husband (haha), Michelle has impacted the lives of countless children including myself. She is priceless and deserving of many honors.
I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award than Michelle. I have always known Michelle to be such a caring, patient, understanding, compassionate woman. One that would be so willing to help a child, having the patience to work with the child, wanting to find the very best for the child and the child’s family. I can see her patiently but determinedly coming to anyone she needs to to get the best for any child and family she may be working with. I can also see her giving presentations to others, to help them to learn how to help children who need additional support-any area where many are needed.
Michelle Olson gets our vote!
Michelle is a bright, kind, loving woman. She is generous with sharing her time and knowledge with those who are fortunate enough to have their lives cross paths with her.
Michelle is an excellent, “Life Changer” educator. She engages her students teaching them with compassion, instilling in all that they can learn; they can be successful. I am proud to cast my vote for this remarkable teacher.
Michelle is a LifeChanger for sure! Her passion for helping kids was shown to me way back in our kids preschool years. We attended a parent participitation school where we all took turns helping and learning from each other and through our kids. Michelle was a great resource and support to all us "newer parents". I could tell instantly she had a kind, compassionate, understanding heart for all kids. So glad she continues to bless kids and their families with her gifts!
Mrs Olson goes above and beyond the call of duty! She makes a huge positive difference in the lives of every student she works with. Every student can succeed and Michelle is a big part of that at Booksin! Thank you, Michelle, for your dedication!
