Angela Farmer
Middle School Teacher
Associate of Arts, Northwest Arkansas Community College; Bachelor of Science, Liberal Arts, Excelsior College; Master of Arts, Teaching, Southern Arkansas University
Angela Farmer began her teaching career in 2020 at Arkansas Connections Academy, where she teaches English to 8th graders and speech and debate to students in grades 9–12. According to Ms. Farmer, “Building relationships with students is the best part of my day.”
Why I Became a Teacher
“My 4th grade teacher was a huge factor in my becoming a teacher,” says Ms. Farmer. “She was the only person of color in our middle school. She was a force to be reckoned with and made everyone feel special and needed. She worked hard to be respected and was the greatest teacher I have ever known.
“After working in the corporate world for many years, I decided to pursue education. I needed to know I was making a difference to someone. Teaching is what I always wanted to do but never thought I would get there. Time, effort, and patience can get you where you want to be. That I can promise anyone who asks.”
The Online School Experience at Arkansas Connections Academy
Reports Ms. Farmer, “Online teaching is becoming more popular, and I think it’s the future of education. The staff and leadership at this school are why I love it here. I feel that I am supported. Being able to make connections with students and show them there is someone who cares is the most amazing feeling in the world.
I love teaching on-camera LiveLesson® sessions. The students are always excited to be there and love chatting with each other. I also love being able to call students and talk to them. … I get to really connect with the students and help them with issues or compliment them on how well they’ve done. When you tell a student they’ve done a good job, that student lights up!
Students of all backgrounds are able to thrive at this school. The lessons can be individualized, and one-on-one teacher interaction really makes a difference.
— Ms. Farmer
Message for Families Interested in Online School
“Do not discount online education,” says Ms. Farmer. “It is for everyone. Children can really succeed with this challenging curriculum, and it prepares them for the future with technology. Students learn to build relationships with teachers and peers. Once they’re in the working world, it is quite a similar situation. Everything revolves around technology.”
Some Personal Interests
Reports Ms. Farmer, “I’m a mom of two, stepmom of two more, and have five grandchildren so far. I have two dogs, two cats, and two goats. My husband and I also own a business. In my spare time, I love to cook and bake. I also love to travel and really enjoy interior decorating. Since my husband builds homes, I get to pick interior materials and colors. That keeps me up with trends in the decorating world.”