For this mentor interview, I got to talk to Lisa Oilar.
This is her third year teaching at Ensign Peak Academy. She is currently teaching 6th-grade math and middle school science.
Read on to learn more about Lisa Oilar.
How did you first hear about Ensign Peak?
A friend of mine, Tara Kelley, was teaching, and that was how I was introduced to Ensign Peak Academy.
What do you love about your subject? Tell us about how you became interested in that subject.
With middle school science, I get to include the gospel. When I teach science concepts, I often discover a gospel connection that enriches the lesson. Cells offer a powerful example. To stay healthy, they maintain homeostasis—a delicate balance. Similarly, we need to nurture a spiritual balance in our lives.
I’ve always been interested in math. I have a degree in math. I have an elementary teaching credential with an emphasis in math. Having the opportunity to create the 6th-grade math curriculum is a dream job of mine.
I have always loved science and how things work, especially seeing God’s hand in everything around us and within us.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
I love kids. I have seven of my own.
How did you become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? What does that mean to you?
It has shaped my whole being. I came from a pretty turbulent family life and childhood. I had a friend who played sports with me and she took me to church for my 16th birthday. After that, I had the lessons from the missionaries. And now I’ve had four of my six sons serve missions.
Tell us about yourself and your family.
I have two children left at home. We currently live in Cody, Wyoming. We have many different animals. I’m also a grandma.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love gardening and preserving food. Water skiing and jet skiing are also fun for me. I enjoy anything to do with playing in the snow. I like to play basketball and volleyball. And I love playing games with my kids. I don’t watch much TV.
What are some unique things about you?
I’m six feet tall, so I get a lot of people staring at me, especially in foreign countries.
Traveling is a favorite activity of mine. I’ve been all over the United States. I love to go to Boston, where some of my kids are currently living, and to California to visit family.
I like to try different foods. I played college basketball.
What hopes do you have for your students?
With science, especially, I hope they learn to love what they are learning. I can see them light up as they figure things out. I just love to see when they figure those things out and when they can connect it to the gospel.
With math, I just want them to feel successful and learn to enjoy math and everything involved with it. Maybe they can make it bite-sized so it isn’t so overwhelming.
That concludes my mentor interview with Lisa Oilar. If you are interested in studing science or math with Ensign Peak Academy, please click on the following links: