Brittany McCaffrey
Support Teacher
Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education and English Language Arts, Framingham State University; Master of Education, Special Education, Framingham State University
Mrs. McCaffrey is a first-time teacher at Connections Academy acting as a case manager and support teacher. She began teaching K–12 special education in 2014 and is excited to be a part of the brand new Rhode Island Connections Academy. Mrs. McCaffrey shares more below.
Why I Became an Educator
I have always wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl! My mom was a kindergarten teacher, and I fell in love with the profession when I would visit her classroom and be a “helper” teacher for the day or afternoon. I began my career in elementary education and through my role as a program manager for a before-and-after-school program, I soon discovered through collaboration with special education teachers that I had a growing passion for the field of special education and serving students with unique learning needs.
The Online School Experience at Rhode Island Connections Academy
I taught special education in a brick-and-mortar setting for five years before making the wonderful leap to full time virtual teaching and education at Rhode Island Connections Academy! I am so grateful for the students and families that I work with each day, as well as the dedicated, caring, and hardworking teachers and staff in our school. Secondly, I love the mission of Rhode Island Connections Academy, which is to deliver high-quality and meaningful educational experiences to students while supporting the flexibility and partnership that our families are looking for in their online education!
One of my favorite parts of my teaching position here at Rhode Island Connections Academy is my bi-monthly touch-base calls with the students and their families. This time together allows for building open lines of communication, support, and collaboration in creating the most accessible learning environment for each individual student according to their unique learning styles and needs. Often in these touch-base calls, I work to support and encourage my students to take an active role in their courses through participation in LiveLesson® sessions. Being a virtual learner requires a bit more effort in socially connecting with other students, so I really enjoy helping facilitate interaction among students.
A student embarking on their education at Rhode Island Connections Academy can truly foster a deeper level of independence, ownership of their learning, online and technological proficiency, communication skills with peers and teachers, and the ability to set up and learn time management. These critical skill sets of becoming a self-advocate and independent learner can prepare students for whatever future they seek, whether furthering their education or entering the workforce and beyond.
We may all be operating virtually, but we pull together as a team and family to bring about the best possible learning experience and journey for all students, families, and teachers!
— Mrs. McCaffrey
My Interests
Things that bring me joy and happiness are being with my family, hiking, being by the ocean and at the beach (yay for Rhode Island!), running, doing yoga and working out, reading, and traveling with my family! I love my roles of wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend, and teacher!