Brandi Atilano
Elementary Teacher
Ms. Atilano is an elementary teacher at California Connections Academy. She began her teaching career in 1991 and has been teaching at Connections Academy since 2012. She received her bachelor of arts degree in liberal studies, with a concentration in child development, and her multiple subject teaching credential from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
When asked about her experiences as a teacher, Ms. Atilano shared the following remarks:
“I became a teacher because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of my students, to give them an excellent education, and to prepare them for the real world. I love teaching at Connections Academy because I believe that parents need to have options when it comes to the education of their children, and Connections Academy has a great deal to offer those parents and their students. Connections Academy is an excellent alternative to the traditional classroom, and it provides flexibility for students, parents, and teachers. I feel that online learning is the wave of the future, and I am proud to be part of Connections Academy and what it has to offer its families.
I am passionate about being an educator and helping students reach their full potential. I believe that all students can learn and that it is my job to do whatever it takes to teach them. In making connections with my students, I ensure that they grow academically, socially, and emotionally. In fact, making connections with my students is an integral part of my teaching skill set. Also, I believe utilizing the newest technologies to educate students, helps students become more engaged in the learning process. I am sure that the experience will aid them later in life when they enter the job market, as technology is prevalent throughout the modern workplace.
"Every day at Connections Academy is new and exciting; I am always learning new things, just like my students!"
— Ms. Atilano
A benefit of teaching at an online school versus a bricks-and-mortar school is that children today have been brought up from a very early age using technology. They are accustomed to using digital media for finding information, learning, and networking, and to have fun. Utilizing technology to educate students helps many of them become more engaged in the learning process, due to their familiarity with technology. Students who don’t lead a digital lifestyle can gain valuable experience by using technology. This experience will aid them later in life when they enter the job market, as most jobs require you to interact with some sort of technology.
If there is one thing that I would tell a prospective parent who is making the decision to enroll his or her child in Connections Academy, it would be that we are here to meet the needs of your student. We will modify lessons and assignments to ensure students receive the right amount of challenge or extra assistance—all with the goal of fostering academic success and a love of learning!”