Staff Spotlight: Olivia Brumley, Wilson

By Brayden Cook '26

Every week throughout the 2025-26 school year, Granite City Community School District #9 will be highlighting a staff member for going above and beyond to give students a positive experience.

This week’s staff highlight is Olivia Brumley. 

Brumley is a special education teacher at Wilson Elementary School and is in her first full-time year at GCSD9, previously working as a substitute paraprofessional.

A fellow co-worker says, “Olivia is a first-year teacher who is doing an amazing job connecting with her students, building rapport with their families, and teaching them functional life-long skills. She has a unique position which comes with many challenges, yet she always goes above and beyond and does so with a smile and sense of humor!”

Where did you attend school and what degrees do you have?
I graduated from Granite City High School in 2020, then continued my education at SWIC where I earned my Associate’s degree. After that, I transferred to McKendree University and completed my Bachelor’s in Education with a dual licensure in Elementary and Special Education. 

What inspired you to become a special education teacher?
I began gaining classroom experience during my senior year of high school when I co-opt at Frohardt. At the time, I thought I wanted to teach third or fourth grade. After graduating, I continued working at Frohardt for a couple of years, where I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time in the Life Skills classroom. I absolutely loved it, and that experience shifted my passion toward special education. I am passionate about supporting and advocating for students with disabilities and helping them build confidence in themselves and their abilities.

What is your favorite memory while teaching?
My favorite teaching memory is actually something we continue to do every day. During calendar time, we listen to music and love to dance. One day, my entire class joined together, holding hands in a circle as we danced, sang, and laughed. It was such a simple moment, but it captured the joy and sense of community we’ve built in our classroom.

What did you do before working at GCSD9?
During college, I worked at a local nursing home in dining services while also continuing at Frohardt as a building aide. Those roles really helped me build patience, communication skills, and a strong work ethic. After graduating, I began my teaching career at Whiteside School District, where I taught 8th grade special education.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I like to joke that I have ‘grandma hobbies’—I love reading, coloring, crocheting, and doing different arts and crafts. I take every opportunity to be creative. I also really enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and my labrador, Sage, who goes everywhere with me.

Who do you look up to?
I don’t look up to just one person—I’m inspired by the mentors and teachers who have guided me along the way. There’s a little piece of each of them in my classroom every day. My Golden Apple mentor has and will continue to shape my growth as I navigate my first five years in the classroom.

If you would like to nominate a deserving staff member, please email: information@gcsd9.net