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I began working for Nevada Connections Academy in 2009. I love the individualized approach that Connections Academy takes with regard to learning. When combined with the tools the school provides for families and teachers, this individualized approach allows all teachers to really make a difference in their students’ education.

People often ask me if teaching in a virtual environment allows me the chance to know my families. I feel that this environment actually allows me to know my families better than I did in a traditional classroom setting. The way our days are structured, we can really put our students and their learning needs first.

Connections Academy is a rigorous learning environment, but there is a wealth of support right at your fingertips. I love teaching here, and I’m happy to answer any questions you may have about Connections Academy. Feel free to contact me to find out if our school is right for you.

Before I joined Nevada Connections Academy in 2010, my background included working as a staff researcher at the University of Nevada Reno, where I did extensive study on the genetic and biochemical properties of wine grapes. I’m very eager to share my knowledge of the incredible discoveries that are being made in science with my students. In my previous work, the use of computers and informational systems was featured heavily, so I feel it is particularly important that the students of today learn these skills at a young age. This is where Connections Academy plays such a vital role. Not only are our students participating and learning in an exceptional curriculum, they are also becoming highly literate in the use of computers and the Internet along the way.

I believe that learning is a marathon, not a sprint. A person will learn a great deal more from trying repeatedly and finally succeeding than by simply taking the easy way out in order to get a rubber stamp on an assignment. This unique environment allows education to be sculpted until mastery is finally achieved rather than students’ simply having one opportunity upon which everything depends.

As our society becomes more diverse, a cookie-cutter education will be less and less appropriate for every individual in our society. The concept of a traditional curriculum will become less and less relevant as the technology to cater an education to each individual becomes more available. I feel that virtual schooling, whether it is done from home or in an educational center of some sort, will become more and more prevalent as students become more inclined to study the things they are interested in, rather than just what the system tells them is necessary. Our program allows a variety of educational options, which not only focus on the core requirements but also offer a more diverse menu of educational items than any bricks-and-mortar school could possibly hope for. We at Connections Academy are on the cutting edge of this paradigm shift, and our students are moving forward with a distinct advantage in terms of comfort level with computers and technology.

I have worked in education for a very long time. I believe that high school students and their parents who are considering Nevada Connections Academy will be pleased to find a rigorous, well-developed curriculum that meets or exceeds state and national standards. The variety of courses, structured learning resources, and dedicated teaching staff really provide an effective program of instruction for students.

I feel that it is important to carefully consider student motivation and willingness to develop a self-directed, independent learning attitude. The staff at Nevada Connections Academy provides excellent support when students need help and encouragement. We have found that students who do well in our program and have success in our school communicate frequently with their instructors and make use of the resources we offer.

Our counseling and advisory staff help students as they plan for high school graduation and consider educational and career options after high school. In my talks, I find that many people are surprised that an online/virtual school staff can get to know their students well and develop supportive relationships with them and their families. I’m here to tell you it happens. I'm excited to talk with prospective students and families as they explore the possibility of Nevada Connections Academy as an option for their high school experience.