TEACHER FEATURE
Editor’s note: This is the first of a series of stories that introduce new teachers at Tracy schools.
Olivia Pauman is looking beyond just teaching the more traditional core courses as she begins her tenure as Tracy Area High School’s new special education teacher.
“Each student in my classroom has different needs and goals,” she said. “Creating a teaching plan for each individual student, that’s very different. I want to give them some sort of skill set to help them out after they graduate.”
Pauman, who brings with her a passion for inclusion and getting students the help they need to succeed, was born and raised in Monticello and earned a four-year degree in Special Education from Southwest Minnesota State University, graduating this past May. She was a student teacher under Jason Kainz and the recently-retired Jean DeSmith at TAHS for eight weeks this spring and at the elementary school for four weeks under Jen Kainz.
Pauman said while every teacher has their own challenges with each new class, there are different ones presented with special education. She is driven to give her kids the ability to achieve their boost-high school goals while maintaining their academic goals.
“We’re working on each individual student,” she said. “Let’s say I have six or 10 kids in my class, I’m teaching to all of them, but teaching something different to all of them.”
Teaching from her perspective as a special ed teacher is a different process than what one would find in a more traditional classroom in that she looks at each student’s needs and goals.
While other educators might teach a certain subject, Pauman will teach a number of different ones to her students each day. Thanks to a grant through the school, she will be able to teach a life skills class separate from her main home room.
The room includes a bed, as well as a coffee cart her students will use as they take coffee orders from the teachers, and make and deliver the coffee. They will also be counting money and ordering supplies. Pauman’s kids will also be responsible for a garden bed.
The life skills, Pauman said, are important to her students since any number of them might not go on to pursue a college degree after high school.
“A lot of them will go right into the workforce,” she said. “Some of my students are working on living on their own; the life skills are important to teach now, so they have something to look forward to after high school.”
The students will be working on both those life skills, or on core subjects like math and reading. During study hours, Pauman will work with kids on core class assignments in history and science.
Pauman, who also helps coach the TMB cheer team, said she is fortunate to have taught in what she called a “very welcoming” school district last year. Last year, she worked with then sixth-graders who have moved onto the high school, as well as students she will be working closely with this school year.
“I para-subbed last fall in the elementary a little bit, and every day when I was there, everyone smiled and say hi to me,” she said. “It’s a very welcoming environment. I do feel really good about teaching here, I know a lot of the people already and a lot of the students so that helps.”
Pauman is engaged to Andrew LaVoy, and the couple is planning an Aug. 1, 2026, wedding.
