When eighth-grade math teacher and seventh grade Dean of Culture, Community and Belonging Gemma Oliver applied to a teaching position at Archer, she wasn’t sure if she would get the job. Now, Oliver is in the midst of her sixth year at Archer.
Oliver graduated in 2019 from Michigan Technological University. Following her graduation, she applied to Archer through their Teacher Apprentice Program and was hired as a full-time teacher the following year. She has taught seventh through 11th grade math throughout her time at Archer, and she became the seventh grade dean this year.
When asked what stood out to her about Oliver’s teaching, one of her past students, Aviana Le Gallo (’28), said that she had a hard time keeping up with and understanding the material being taught in her previous math classes, and Oliver helped math come more naturally to her.
“[Learning math] became almost like a second nature because of how good her teaching was and just how comfortable she made me feel,” Le Gallo said.
Oliver said one of her favorite things about her new role as dean has been watching her seventh-grade students grow throughout the year. Seventh grade is a time when students are evolving, she said, and she enjoys watching that progression.
“You know how much you change, even from sixth to seventh grade — you grow a lot,” Oliver said. “So it’s really cool to be a part of that.”
Oliver also said she relishes the lighter and less serious moments of being around middle schoolers. They are the most rewarding part of being a dean, she said.
“The kids are a joy,” Oliver said. “It’s all a little silly, a lot of goofiness in middle school that I really enjoy, and it’s just a fun time to see them change and mature.”
Oliver’s colleague and sixth grade dean Natalie Kang shared how easily Oliver keeps a level head — even when things are hard or frustrating, Kang said, Oliver keeps her cool and responds thoughtfully. Kang has enjoyed getting to know her as a human being.
“She is always ready to have that human moment of connection, of venting, of planning [and] of brainstorming,” Kang said.
Le Gallo said she appreciates Oliver’s kindness and has noticed how she prioritizes her connection with her students. Kang admires Oliver’s ability to problem-solve and work hard.
“She is extremely kind, and she is very open-hearted,” Le Gallo said. “Whenever I have an issue with anything, she always talks to me personally.”
While Oliver always knew she had a keen interest in math, she said she studied both English and math in college and wasn’t sure which subject she would teach. Teaching math at Archer allowed her to rediscover her passion for the subject, she said.
“Getting more experience [at Archer], I really just fell back in love with teaching math,” Oliver said. “As much as I love English class, math is just more my thing.”
Oliver sparked Le Gallo’s ambition as a math student, and Le Gallo said she admires her open and understanding mentality as a teacher.
“She plays a very big role in the Archer community,” Le Gallo said. “I think that if anyone in seventh grade should be looking forward to having a teacher, it would be Ms. Oliver.”
Ms. Chakravarty • Feb 12, 2025 at 5:26 pm
I loved reading this article about one of my terrific colleagues! I’m so glad you chose to profile Ms. Oliver!
Scott • Feb 3, 2025 at 10:30 am
Loved every bit of this. Props for the photo as well — it and the text alike really capture the joy in Ms. Oliver’s class. Brava!
D Meehan • Jan 30, 2025 at 12:48 pm
This is a well-researched, well-written article that provides a sense of both the background and education of the subject and her experience at Archer but also this teacher’s journey in discovering her passion as a math teacher. Brava to both teacher and the student who wrote this.
D. Meehan
Shana • Jan 30, 2025 at 12:31 pm
I wish I’d had a math teacher like Ms Oliver!
Alice • Jan 30, 2025 at 12:27 pm
This is beautiful!
piper • Jan 30, 2025 at 12:09 pm
this article is so beautiful, it changed my life
-piper
clementine oxman • Jan 30, 2025 at 12:05 pm
Oh my this is beautiful