Kelley Reinhardt
Science Teacher
Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Science Education, University of Nevada, Reno
Kelley Reinhardt started teaching in 2003 and joined Willamette Connections Academy in 2017. She teaches science to high school students.
Why I Became a Teacher
I’m a fourth-generation teacher and have a passion for sharing my love of learning with students and their families. I was especially influenced by my high school chemistry teacher and was able to do my student teaching with her.
Working at Willamette Connections Academy has been amazing because I get to build wonderful relationships with students and their families while I work closely with them. An education at this school empowers students to learn in a way that fosters independent learning that cannot be achieved in a traditional classroom.
The Online School Experience at Willamette Connections Academy
I sometimes work one-on-one with students in face-to-face LiveLesson® sessions and am able to provide time for them to work at their own pace and learn in a way that’s unique to online schools.
Students here learn to self-advocate and gain questioning skills as they pinpoint concepts they don’t understand. They also learn communication, time-management, and organization skills that will benefit them both in their future academic pursuits and career paths.
I make my LiveLesson® sessions with the class a comfortable place for students to share their interests and to feel safe and empowered to ask and engage with questions. We have social time before and after these sessions, so we all have a chance to share what’s happening in our lives. I also try to ask students to share their own small and sometimes big personal successes or celebrations.
My Personal Interests
I am a fanatic about my hobbies. I enjoy traveling to Chicago Cubs games and have been to almost every west coast Major League Baseball stadium. I love traveling in Asia and hope to teach there again after my son graduates from high school. I love reading, Marvel movies, and going to Disney parks, especially at Halloween and Christmas. I’m also fond of traveling for delicious meals that I see on TikTok or the Food Network.
“This school provides a personal experience unmatched by a traditional school for students who take full advantage of our program.”
— Ms. Reinhardt