HOULTON, Maine — Cassie Ouellette has always had an interest in history.
Her desire to spread that love to others led her to become a teacher, something she does every day in her sixth-grade classroom at Houlton Middle/High School.
“I really love to explore the past, and I try to get my students interested in it, too,” she said.
Ouellette grew up in Madawaska, then attended the University of Maine at Farmington, where she studied education. She began teaching at the Houlton school right after she graduated from college.
“I wanted to be close to home, and I was lucky to receive a job right here in Aroostook County,” she said.
Ouellette said that right now, she is studying for a master’s degree that focuses heavily on technology in education. She said that both technology and education play a big part in her work with students.
“Personally, I like the role that computers are playing in schools,” she said. “In school, we use Google Classroom to share assignments. The students enjoy watching YouTube videos and having questions embedded into those videos. They also use their computers for quizzes and video presentations.
“Computers can add a lot to the classroom experience,” she noted.
Ouellette said that education is a great field to be in, and it’s a career choice that also gives a lot back to the teacher.
“The students are really the best part,” she said. “At this age, they really have a lot to tell you. They absorb a lot of information, they ask great questions, and they offer the teacher a great deal.”
Outside of work, Ouellette is very involved in the community.
“I like to read and paint,” she said. “I am very involved in St. Mary’s Catholic Church.”
Ouellette also said that she loves to travel.
“I would love to travel internationally,” she said. “But most of my travels have been in the United States. “I liked Colorado quite a bit. I liked the beaches in Alabama, too.”
