Kristen Alarcon
College & Career Advisor
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a focus in Advertising, University of Oregon; Master of Arts in Teaching, Concordia University Kristen started teaching in 2016 at Oregon Connections Academy and moved to Washington Connections Academy in 2021.
Why I Became a Teacher
After I finished college, I had an unfulfilling career in the real estate industry, and a side-gig teaching dance classes to middle and high school students. I realized that the parts of my week that I looked forward to the most were the ones where I got to inspire and work with students on a shared interest and goal, and decided to make doing that my new career!
The Online Experience at Washington Connections Academy
At Washington Connections Academy, nobody is left out in the cold to fend for themselves. We offer guidance to accommodate every type of learner. Students often surprise themselves with their ability to succeed academically. The brick-and-mortar model is just not a good fit for many students, and it is so fulfilling to watch those who never felt comfortable in school achieve academically in a way they weren’t able to before.
My favorite thing about my job is attending the graduation ceremony at the end of the year. To watch students achieve a goal that has been 18 years in the making is an inspiring reminder of the importance of grit, perseverance, and hard work.
Message for Prospective Families Choosing Online School
Online school removes a number of environmental factors that can affect a student’s ability to be receptive to learning. In online school, there is no bus making you late to first period, no anxieties about where you will sit at lunch, and no struggling to get to class on time when you have to get from one end of campus to the other (with a stop at your locker in between!). Students can learn at a pace that works best for their own learning style and have the opportunity to take a variety of elective courses that may not be available at a brick-and-mortar school.
"To watch students achieve a goal that has been 18 years in the making is an inspiring reminder of the importance of grit, perseverance, and hard work."
— Ms. Alarcon