Welcome to McBean Elementary!!  I am very excited about starting a new school year!! This is my 4th year as the music teacher at McBean Elementary, but have been teaching for 28 years. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Augusta State University in 1996. I received my Master's Degree in Creative Arts in Learning from Lesley University in 2005. Other grades that I have taught include Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Grade and 2nd/3rd grade augmented. I recently received the 2024 RCSS Elementary Music Teacher of the Year Award, was McBean Elementary's Teacher of the Year for the 2013-2014 school year and was a recipient of the WJBF News Channel 6 Golden Apple Awards in 2019. I have been a proud member of the Greater Augusta Area Orff chapter since October of 2022. This group helps me to improve my professional learning as a music teacher as well as connect with other music educators.  In June 2024,  I completed a 2 week Orff Schulwerk music course and am now Orff Level 1 certified. I have also served as a SMART mentor, team leader, an active member of the PTO, served on the School Council Committee, Honor's Day committee, and am the current PBIS Coach for McBean. 

I live in Augusta, Georgia with my 19-year-old son, Andrew. I also have a cute kitty cat named Oscar. My hobbies include shopping, watching movies, listening to music, and spending time with my family. I also love Snoopy and the Peanuts gang!  I love music and teaching!!! 

Music Teacher

odellja@boe.richmond.k12.ga.us