Angie Owen
High School Teacher
Bachelor of Arts Degree, Spring Arbor University; Master of Education Degree, American Public University
Angie Owen started teaching in 2008 and joined Connections Academy in 2012. She teaches math to students in twelfth grade.
Why I Became a Teacher
I’ve wanted to teach since second grade, and have always loved helping others understand new topics and explaining things so they make sense. When I was in high school, I volunteered as a tutor and worked as a teaching assistant. I taught in a middle school classroom in North Carolina for four years before transplanting myself back to Michigan to teach high school.
One thing I find especially rewarding about teaching at Lighthouse Connections Academy is connecting with students. I can connect with them better online than in a brick-and-mortar school. It’s easier to share interests and hobbies we have in common, while working together to learn something — and we can do it without the potential distraction of their peers.
The Online School Experience at Lighthouse Connections Academy
Student engagement is important, so I make a point of having my students interact often during class lessons. I encourage them to engage in the lessons and help each other understand the material. We also connect by discussing real-life applications of the math they’re learning in class.
There are a couple financial literacy games we like to play. In one, students must make budgeting decisions to see if they can make it through a month with different events and situations occurring. Playing it is a blast!
Message for Prospective Families Choosing Online School
Parents thinking of enrolling their child here should keep in mind that there’s a need for accountability at home. Some students are self-motivated and will always be that way, no matter what type of school they attend. Others need the extra motivation provided by someone logging in regularly to check their progress and make sure they complete their schoolwork. That accountability can make a difference in a student’s success in online school.
Our students learn time management and how to take responsibility for their own education — which helps prepare them for being successful in college and in their career. While our students juggle their classes, they also must plan wisely and know themselves well enough to know when they need to ask questions, and have the courage to do so.
Hobbies and Interests
I enjoy comic books and anime. My favorite comic book character is Deadpool. I like spending time with my husband and two sons, playing board games and card games, and watching superhero movies.
Teachers here are accepting and easy to work with, so students can build confidence asking questions to make sure they know the information.
— Ms. Owen