Greetings Riverview Eagles!

My name is Gail Olson and I am very excited about this school year! Together, your 1st grade scholars and I will embark on a year full of growth and discovery.

I received my undergraduate degree in English Literature from Bethel University in 1992. After working in the business world and teaching English in Japan for three years, I returned to Bethel to obtain my Elementary Education (grades 1-6) teaching license with an endorsement in Middle School: Language Arts, Social Studies and Life Science. I taught English and Life Science in Slovakia for two and a half years and then returned to St. Paul in 2004. While teaching both preschoolers and pre-service teaching students for ten years at a community-based child development center in the Frogtown neighborhood, I also completed the coursework for my pre-primary licensure. I joined the St. Paul School District in 2014. This is my 2nd year at Riverview and am looking forward to the years ahead.

When I’m not at school, you might find me out in the woods or along the river at my favorite neighborhood nature centers. I love travelling and at one point in my life I had spent more time outside of the United States than I had in it. I also enjoy camping and hiking, hanging out with my family, photography, and reading.

I am excited to be working with all of our wonderful families, teachers, partners and community members! Let’s make this an amazing year!