Kayla Hanson
Kindergarten and First Grade Teacher
Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education, Bemidji State University
Kayla Hanson started teaching in 2017 and joined Iowa Connections Academy in 2019. She teaches students in kindergarten and first grade.
Why She Became a Teacher
According to Ms. Hanson, “When I was in elementary school, I fell behind. My fourth-grade teacher changed my life. She worked very closely with my parents, and within a year I was back at grade level. She saw me. She saw my anxiety and low self-confidence and helped me develop important skills to become a lifelong learner. She inspired me to become a teacher. I wanted to help all learners develop those same skills for continued success throughout their time in school and beyond.”
The Online School Experience at Iowa Connections Academy
“I love being able to work with [our students’] families,” reports Ms. Hanson. “I feel like the Learning Coach and I are on a team working hand in hand to support and encourage their student. I value the teamwork and community here at Iowa Connections Academy.
“We have many opportunities to engage and interact at this school. My favorite is our Back-to-School event. I love getting to see our students in the fall. The excitement of entering a new school year is always special.
“Our Pearson [Online] Classroom sessions are my favorite time of the week. I love gathering and getting to see my students. We learn, we move, and we work together. We have a lot of fun learning.”
Message for Families Interested in Online School
If there’s one thing Ms. Hanson would tell parents thinking of enrolling a child in this school, it’s that “the teachers here are dedicated to their students.” She says, “This community is one that I am so proud to be a part of. Everything is done with our students in mind. We care and we are here to support the student and their families throughout their time here at Iowa Connections Academy.”
The flexibility of this school helps students develop a strong self-confidence in taking charge of their own education.
— Ms. Hanson
Ms. Hanson’s Personal Interests
Ms. Hanson enjoys being outside with her kids. She says, “I try to get up north in Minnesota as much as possible in the summer and fall. I love playing board games with friends and family. I also love anything to do with art — photography, crafting, scrapbooking, designing — I love it all.”