Mrs. Rebecca Freeland is currently in her 19th year as a part of the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) family. She began teaching middle school Literature & Composition in 2002, and has since been a Teacher On Special Assignment (TOSA), Learning Specialist, Assistant Principal, and Dean of Student Services at OCSA.
When Mrs. Freeland was my eighth grade teacher, I knew her as Ms. Romans, but she was the same calm, comforting educator she is today.
When I think of Mrs. Freeland, a Maya Angelou quote comes to mind—“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” It’s been almost 20 years since I was Mrs. Freeland’s student and I can’t recall a specific lesson she taught me, but I know she was an excellent teacher that made me feel like a valued member of the OCSA family.
How did you first hear about OCSA?
Mrs. Freeland’s sister-in-law attended OCSA when it was an afterschool arts program at Los Alamitos High School! Even though she didn’t have experience with the school as a student, Mrs. Freeland knew that this may be the unique place she had been looking for to build her career. She said she never considered herself an artist, but has always been interested in and very passionate about the arts. So, she was ecstatic at the opportunity of working at this exceptional art school that she had heard so much about.
Why did you join the OCSA team?
“When I interviewed here, many moons ago, there was just something unique and special about the people I met and the feeling I got on campus. It just seemed like the right fit for me,” Mrs. Freeland said. As she reflected on her time at OCSA, she shared that it felt like this would be the best place for her to grow as an educator and she was right. Mrs. Freeland has spent the last 19 years eagerly learning from her colleagues and students.
What is your favorite part about working with the students here?
“I love that the OCSA students are creative. They challenge not only themselves in what they pursue, but they continue to challenge those who teach them, in a good way. They keep the teachers thinking differently and striving to meet student needs. I love that OCSA students are empathetic and inclusive. They are supportive. Students can come here to be who they are and not feel like they have to try to be someone different. I think that's what makes OCSA students—and truly the culture here—so unique,” Mrs. Freeland said.
Why do you think that the school has not only survived, but continued to grow over the last 35 years?
“I think that OCSA has continued to grow and thrive because of the vision that Dr. Opacic had. It was a unique one, especially in what was accessible and available for students. As things have changed in society and in schools, we continue to change with that in order to make a positive and impactful experience for our students. We've continued to add programs that are relevant to what is changing in society and the workforce, so that our students have as many opportunities for their futures as possible,” she said with a sense of pride.
How has OCSA lived up to your expectations from when you first began this journey?
“OCSA has provided many opportunities for me to continue to grow professionally, and continue to stay relevant in the world of education in the ever changing world that we live in,” she said. After being at OCSA for so many years, Mrs. Freeland said she feels that there is a deep level of trust in allowing educators to try new things and make changes where they feel is necessary. Administrators and faculty members have the ability to adjust and grow in a way that enhances their students’ experience. “I really like the flexibility of being able to be creative in meeting the needs of our unique population,” she said.
What impact has being an educator had on your life?
“I think it has made me a better parent and it’s taught me balance,” Mrs. Freeland said. Throughout her career and the growth of her family, she’s maintained the ability to grow professionally and spend time with her family. Mrs. Freeland said she is currently loving her work with the Student Services team at OCSA. She is so proud of the counseling team and the passion the staff has to meet the individual needs of students during their time at OCSA. “It’s so fulfilling to see our students thrive after high school, no matter where their path leads. Once they leave OCSA and they’ve found what is the right fit for them, and to know that we were a small part of that is very rewarding.”
Has OCSA been a part of your dreams coming true?
“I have always known that I wanted to have a career where I worked with children. So, being able to have an impact, and hopefully a small piece of positivity, in the lives of students is fulfilling that dream of what I’ve always wanted to do. I think that one of the coolest things for me is seeing a lot of students that I had 15 to 18 years ago, either thriving in their careers around the world or many of them coming back to work at OCSA. It’s a wonderful feeling to see that you have a small piece of their journey,” she said.