Teacher Spotlight — Megan Scully
Introduction:
Nadine Theberge interviewed Megan Scully in March 2024, to learn more about her colleague’s background and approach to education. Megan started out as a Lead Teacher at our nature preschool class at Forbes House Museum, is currently teaching at our Wellesley program, and is preparing to launch our new nature preschool at Unity Farm Sanctuary this summer! This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
What is your favorite thing about teaching at BOPN?
One of my favorite aspects is witnessing students having the freedom to run, climb, and play in open spaces. This not only sparks their curiosity about the world around them, but also positively affects their physical and emotional wellbeing. A love of nature lasts a lifetime!
Can you share a little about your philosophy of education?
I lean toward a child centered approach. This emphasizes the importance of providing opportunities to explore each child’s individual talents and interests, with the belief that every child possesses the inherent potential to learn and succeed.
Tell us about your previous experience teaching children with disabilities. How has teaching children with disabilities shaped your views on teaching (and on life)?
I've worked with children on the autism spectrum for over twenty years in various roles, including as a nanny, applied behavioral analysis technician, and educational program assistant. Each role has strengthened my dedication to individuals with autism and other disabilities. I am continuously amazed by their strength, dedication, and perseverance, which inspire me on many levels.
My work with children with disabilities has influenced my views on teaching. It reminds me every day to challenge myself to find new ways to reach students and enhance their learning. I adapt my teaching to each student's unique learning style. Each person learns differently, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Both students and teachers learn to collaborate and persevere together. Celebrating every achievement, big or small, is crucial as growth and development takes time and patience.
How is teaching at BOPN different from your experiences teaching at other programs? What are your favorite and least favorite parts of teaching at BOPN?
BOPN nurtures a strong sense of self in students, encouraging exploration and promoting emotional regulation. In my experience in the teaching field I have observed that BOPN prioritizes the development of independence and self-confidence in students. The children have the freedom to explore and discover at their own place, which helps in cultivating a strong sense of self and self-awareness. Students at BOPN display a willingness to try new things that I have found is not as prevalent in other settings. BOPN students are less afraid of trying and not succeeding because they understand they will be able to continue to try. They demonstrate a remarkable openness to exploring new experiences, a quality I have observed to be less common in other educational settings. BOPN students exhibit a fearlessness in attempting new things, understanding that failure is a part of the learning process and that they will have the opportunity to persist and try again until they achieve their goal.
My favorite part of working at BOPN is witnessing and participating in children’s education within the natural environment. It evokes memories of my own childhood and connection to nature while providing endless learning opportunities. My least favorite part is when I get soggy socks!
Can you share an example of a particularly memorable moment?
A fallen tree became a favorite adventure spot. The students immediately were drawn to the fallen tree, exploring the different parts and discovering its potential for imaginative play. The tree became a focal point for creative play and exploration. Some students saw the tree as a natural balance beam. Others brought over additional logs to create a slide. The tree served as an airplane and they painted on its bark. As the tree decayed, the students found new ways to interact with the log. They dissected the now soft trunk to look for insects and small critters. It was beautiful to see a tree that some people might think is useless because it had fallen live on and serve as such an amazing learning tool.
What are your favorite daily rituals?
One of my favorite rituals is our closing gratitude circle. Children express what they are grateful for, often surprising teachers with unexpected answers. We have had gratitude expressed for everything from nature to classmates to the all-important snack time! As teachers, the gratitude circle is a valuable teaching moment to understand what resonated with our students. It was particularly meaningful when our students’ grownups would join in, enriching the sense of community and connection.
How do you approach building strong relationships with our site partners?
To build strong site partner relationships I do the following:
Learn as much as you can about the site and their mission.
Introduce yourself to site employees and have regular engagement with these partners.
If possible, volunteer at the site or attend events hosted by the site.
Clearly communicate with our site partners and ask permission before partaking in something that might impact the site.
Understand and promote the mutual benefits of the partnership.
What is your favorite children's book for teaching outdoors?
My favorite book for teaching outdoors is Wonder Walks by Jo Taylor. It is an interactive guide that encourages children to explore, appreciate, and interact with nature. The book also instills curiosity, fosters observation, and cultivates a sense of wonder about the natural world that surrounds us, potentially igniting a lifelong passion for and ongoing exploration of nature.
Outside of teaching, what do you like to do? What's the most adventurous thing you've ever done in nature?
I enjoy long distance road cycling and gravel cycling. I also spend time doing yoga. The most adventurous thing done in nature was when I hiked up Mt. Monadnock with a low temp of 19 degrees in shorts and a tank top with my cold plunge group as a challenge of our cold acclimation. We had prepared for this adventure for many weeks. It was freezing but exhilarating!
If you could be any animal, which one would you be and why?
I would be a lion because they represent strength, power and courage. More importantly, lions display a quality of protectiveness and guardianship. Lions are fiercely protective of their pride. They exhibit a strong sense of loyalty, and dedication to ensuring the safety and well being of their pride. Making sure those around me feel safe, loved and protected is of utmost importance to me. I know how it feels to not have that, and I do not want anyone I care for to ever feel that way.
