Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for clarity and space.
Last spring, Carbondale Community School (CCS) announced Becky Oliver as their new principal. A lifelong educator, Oliver spent 23 years in the Aspen School District, including 17 years at the elementary school and six years at the high school. During her expansive career she has been a special education teacher, second grade teacher, intervention specialist and most recently Aspen High School’s assistant principal. Between back-to-school meetings and final summer adventures, Oliver sat down with The Sopris Sun for a chat.
How are you feeling about the upcoming school year?
I am super excited. I have a passionate group of teachers and staff who are fun and excited to support kids. I love the spirit of CCS and what they have done and continue to do.
What inspired you to become an educator?
My two older sisters had learning disabilities and really struggled in school. They were in special education and I saw teachers who were life changers and [some] absolutely detrimental to their growth and well-being. In middle school, I decided I wanted to be one of those life-changing teachers, so I volunteered at my old elementary school. We’re here to make this place better and I really think education is a great opportunity to do that.
You became Aspen High School’s (AHS) assistant principal during the height of COVID. What were some of the challenges and how did you navigate them?
One of the biggest challenges both me and my principal, Sarah Strassburger, had was that we were both new to our roles and navigating a time that was completely uncharted. But what got me through everything was remembering that at the core of education are the people. We had to keep the people — our students, our staff, our families — at the forefront of all decision making.
There’s a quote from Bob Chapman of the Caring Community Foundation, “You don’t have to justify caring, you have to justify not caring about the people you have the privilege to lead.” That is what I am rooted in and how I approached that time.
How do you think your experience working with children across the age spectrum will help you as the CCS principal?
After working with high schoolers, I learned that the decisions we make with our younger kids can have a massive impact on them in high school. I always believed in early intervention, but now I am able to say I’ve watched this and walked this and we can be bold enough to do the hard and right things while they’re young.
Another thing I noticed is our community’s relationship with substances and party culture. I think our valley has a high suicide, depression and substance-use rate. How do we create a culture where our kids can see us thrive and have fun without substances? Walking alongside students and families at the high school gave me a whole new level and insight to this and how to support and empower all kids.
You have been part of the Aspen School District (ASD) for so long. Why did you transition to CCS?
I never thought I would leave the ASD! I spent half my life there and feel fortunate, and yet this move feels so right. I lead and serve with my whole heart, and I really wanted to get back to a grassroots, community approach to help raise a generation of kids who are going to make this world better. As I started diving into CCS’s mission, to foster lifelong learning, community and social justice, I realized it aligns with me as a person and who I am at my core.
What are some interesting CCS events?
On a weekly basis, we have an all-school meeting. I am excited to learn more about it and to see everyone come together. On that same day there is a community meal, El Tioga, where each learning center cooks a meal for 150 people. It’s a great way to serve and build community.
How would you describe your education philosophy?
For me, it’s empowering students with the academic and life skills they need to be joyful, successful, contributing members of society. The best way to do that is to genuinely love and care for our kids.
Who has inspired you?
My high school math teacher, Ann Conaway. She would watch me shut down during class and point to the door, which meant I had to run two laps around the school. When I got back I could solve the problem. She brought humor and met us where we were.
What’s on your reading list? And what do outside of being an educator?
You’re going to laugh at my reading list. I love southern women fiction by Mary Alice Monroe and Mary Kay Andrews. I also love fly fishing, mountain biking and skiing, but mostly anything on the water with my husband, CJ, and hanging out with our yellow lab, Lyla.