01/24/2025 -
Name:
Ann Cahill
Years at SCOE:
13 years. I have worked for SCOE since 2011.
Job Title:
Itinerant Deaf & Hard of Hearing Teacher
How do you describe your job to people outside SCOE?
My job is to serve students with different levels of hearing loss to make sure they have access to their curriculum. I teach them about hearing loss, what helps them in difficult listening situations, and how to advocate for their hearing needs. I love that I get to serve students of all ages and levels, which means no day is the same. I learn so much from my students and our DHH team. It is the BEST job ever!
Where did you grow up?
I was born in San Francisco and have lived in Marin and Sonoma counties my whole life. I moved to Penngrove in 7th grade and graduated from Rancho Cotate High. Go Cougars!
Who was your favorite childhood teacher and why?
Mrs. Holtzer was my 3rd grade teacher in Novato. I remember her having a word of the week that we had to go home and look up in the dictionary, then write about what it means. I loved that! Our class also got to make a gigantic papier-mâché dinosaur and paint it purple. It was the OG Barney the Dinosaur! Mrs. Holtzer was upbeat and made learning fun!
What is your favorite thing about SCOE?
The people for sure. I have worked in education for almost 30 years and teachers are the best people to work with. I am so fortunate to work with a staff who cares so much about students and improving their lives. We collaborate well together and I continue to learn from them. What more could you want from your job?
What is one of your most memorable moments as a SCOE employee?
I have to say that each year at our Back to School general meeting, I am always inspired by the speakers that talk about what they do or how they have benefited from being served by SCOE employees. It renews the reasons why I do what I do.
Outside of work, what is your favorite hobby or way to unwind?
I started painting a few years ago. I meet weekly with a group of women to paint and talk. I look forward to the social time and painting is so relaxing. Other than that, I spend time when I can with my three grown children and my new granddaughter. I love my new role as “Nana.”
Do you have a favorite TV show, movie or book that involves a school setting?
An oldie but a goodie of mine is “Freedom Writers.” More recently, I loved watching “The Holdovers.”
What is your favorite place in Sonoma County?
Sonoma County has so many beautiful places I can’t pick one place. I enjoy hiking in Helen Putnum Park in Petaluma and around Spring Lake.
What might people be surprised to learn about you?
I didn’t go to college right after high school. I was a late bloomer, but I worked my way through school. I finally graduated with my master’s and teaching credential when I was 28 years old. That, and I was a cheerleader in high school.
