Meg Kirby
Instructional Coach
Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an endorsement in Special Education and specializations in Reading and English, Tarleton State University
About Meg Kirby, Instructional Coach
I began my teaching career in 1999. I joined Willamette Connections Academy in 2011, starting as a Gifted and Talented teacher for grades 3–6. As the program expanded, my role evolved to teaching 6th Grade English Language Arts and Gifted ELA, and eventually into my current role as an Instructional Coach.
Why I Became an Educator
Education has always been a meaningful part of my life. Growing up with a mother who was a teacher, I had the opportunity to see firsthand the positive impact she had on her students, her school, and the wider community. In high school, I had several meaningful experiences working with peers through a peer mentor program and supporting Early Head Start students. Those moments showed me how powerful strong relationships and consistent support can be in building a student’s confidence and helping them grow. Together, these experiences sparked my passion for education and my deep desire to make a lasting, meaningful difference in the lives of students.
“What I love most about teaching online is watching the barrier of the screen disappear so strong connections and meaningful conversations can take shape.”
— Mrs. Kirby
The Online School Experience at Willamette Connections Academy
The most rewarding part of my work as an Instructional Coach at Willamette Connections Academy is seeing students truly enjoy learning and engage meaningfully with one another. I also value collaborating with teachers to support their passion and implement effective strategies that maximize instructional time and student success. What I love most about teaching online is watching the barrier of the screen disappear. Strong connections are built, meaningful conversations happen, and there is a unique opportunity to dig deeper with students and their families.
How Willamette Connections Academy Helps Prepare Students for Life
At Willamette Connections Academy, students have the opportunity to truly make learning their own. They are supported where they are academically, socially, and emotionally, and encouraged to grow from there. With personalized support and dedicated teachers, I believe the sky is truly the limit for our students.
Some Personal Interests
Outside of school, I am an avid hiker, paddleboarder, gardener, and outdoor enthusiast. I also enjoy yoga and creative hobbies such as making candles in dough bowls and paint-by-number projects. My lifelong passion, however, has always been reading. One of my favorite memories is helping a 6th grade student and his classmates prepare for a STEM competition called Future City. No online school had ever participated before, and after months of online and in-person teamwork, our students won three state-level awards and built connections that lasted well beyond the classroom.