Kaitlyn O’Malley

Kaitlyn O’Malley, a Watertown native, is a special education teacher. In high school, she played sports and made friends that she still enjoys spending time with today. Over the summer, she went hiking in Colorado and watched the World Cup and rooted for Sweden.  

What are some qualities that the high school has that other schools do not have?

There is definitely a lot more freedom for students here as far as having a completely open campus for primarily all grades and access to the building. But I also think that there is a real inviting culture as far as having a lot more creativity and amount of classes that are offered and not having it be so rigid and structured, which is pretty cool.

What is one thing you will always remember when you are in a classroom?

I think just making sure that every student has a voice. I think it is really easy, especially in a big school, for people to be quiet and have more dominant people. Making sure that every student gets noticed and has a voice is definitely a top priority for me.

Why did you decide to become a special education teacher?

I grew up as a special ed student so having that experience made me want to be a special ed teacher because I am a student, or at least I was at some point. So I feel like that kind of was the driving force to want to be an educator but especially go into special education.

What is the most rewarding experience you have had from being a special education teacher?

I think having students start a year feeling very deflated in something and then having them see their potential and earning that. Definitely, one that stands out is students passing the MCAS that felt like they weren’t going to be able to do it and seeing them feel that accomplishment for the first time ever.

What do you wish to accomplish at the high school?

I would really like to get involved in the community and more into the cultural aspects. I’m coming from a system that is very structured and regimented,  so to be in a more relaxed environment. I would love to get more involved in the teacher groups that they have and a lot of the clubs. I think that would be very cool to just get into the whole culture that makes the high school.