Sumer Regnier
Secondary Teacher
Bachelor of Arts Degree, English Education, Fairmont State University; Bachelor of Arts Degree, Art Education, Fairmont State University
Sumer Regnier started teaching in 2006 and joined Coastal Connections Academy in 2021. She currently teaches seventh-grade language arts, as well as AP English language and composition, AP English literature and composition, critical thinking and study skills, and social media to high school students.
Why I Became a Teacher
Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher. I was first inspired by my creative elementary school teacher, Mrs. Wills. In junior high, I absolutely loved my ninth-grade English teacher, Mrs. Wright-Reynolds. She was incredibly supportive, honest, easy to talk to, and funny.
In high school, I learned to appreciate literature and the art of teaching much more with another teacher, Mrs. Baker. She had creative lessons that allowed me to express myself through writing and presenting. After a mock lesson I taught, she said she would love for me to take her place someday as an English teacher—that confirmed my passion for wanting to become a teacher. I hope to personally embody the qualities of these three memorable teachers.
The Online School Experience at Coastal Connections Academy
What I love about teaching at Coastal Connections Academy is the curriculum, the LiveLesson® sessions, and my colleagues. The curriculum is thorough and direct for my seventh graders. For AP®* courses, I love the topics and texts that are covered. The electives challenge students to focus on real-life current issues, but from a more academic perspective.
To foster student engagement with their courses and to encourage interactions between students, we have collaborative LiveLesson® sessions—which I love. My seventh graders and Small Group students play Kahoot! on a weekly basis. We use chat and Padlet for class discussions. My students warm my heart with their passion for learning, their positive feedback, and we have a lot of fun!
“Coastal Connections Academy empowers students with quality curriculum and an organizational system that encourages students to be self-reliant.”
— Ms. Regnier
The Benefits of Online Learning
Coastal Connections Academy empowers students to thrive by providing them with access to a quality curriculum and an organizational system that fosters independence and encourages students to be self-reliant; students and parents have more autonomy in how they approach daily tasks. Also, it provides flexibility in time—one can more easily pursue passions beyond the classroom and maintain a job that a brick-and-mortar public school does not typically allow.
Message for Families Considering Online School
I would tell a parent that is considering Coastal Connections Academy to prepare to become closer and more involved with your child’s learning. This is one of the primary reasons why I joined as an educator is because it encourages more parent engagement. Parents can access every element of their child’s curriculum, teacher feedback, student progress, and grades. The teachers at Coastal Connections Academy are passionate about their students’ success and it is important to them that every parent or guardian receives the support they need.
My Interests
I enjoy reading, listening to music (especially on vinyl), attending concerts, painting with watercolors, embroidery, watching movies, going to the beach, and traveling with my husband. We have a 14-year-old Boston Terrier and a 14-year-old Maine Coon as our children!