Annette Ottley is a skilled and dedicated educator who is passionate about the foundation stage because in those early years the children develop the foundation of inquiry and knowledge that will carry them through their years of schooling. For her own education, Annette completed her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education at the Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus. After completing her studies and student teaching, Annette worked at a prestigious independent school in New York City for over 6 years. Annette is clear that her area of giftedness is with the Early Years and has been operating in this capacity at BISNY since 2008.

Annette likens teaching to gardening. Her role as teacher is to provide each and every child with the tools to cultivate his/her own garden of knowledge in fertile soil. As such, her classroom is a caring, safe, and equitable environment where each child can blossom and grow. Annette plans “gardening” opportunities everyday to allow the children to become responsible members of the classroom community. With a bit of sunshine and nurturing, the children blossom through class meetings, positive reinforcement, and democratic principles. In showing children how to become responsible for themselves as well as their own learning, Annette gives them the tools to become successful in life, to believe in them, and to love themselves and others regardless of their differences!

Annette is very keen of the IB PYP program because it so closely aligns with her educational approach and thinking. The PYP focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. It also prepares students to be active participants in a lifelong journey of learning. It has been Annette’s experience that children who are validated and valued engage positively in the process of education. Therefore, she seamlessly merges educational structure while exposing the children in her class to the Learner Profile. Overall, Annette strives to provide an environment in which children feel safe, comfortable, important, respected and valued. She feels shaping young minds, in this holistic way, lends itself to greatness!

Annette has been selected as the new Head of the Glennie House for next year and is especially excited about continuing and enhancing the community service aspect of the student council and bringing fresh ideas to the house system. Already this year, Annette is working closely with Mrs. Carter and Ms. Matthews to share her insights, skills and passions to revamp the House System. It’s too soon to reveal any “House Secrets”, but she’s looking forward to bringing her personal love of traveling, cooking and reading to her work with Glennie and, everyday, in RAO’s classroom!

Qualifications

B.A Early Childhood Education, Long Island University, NY