TEACHERS BEHIND THE SCREENS AT VIRTUAL ACADEMY OF ELK GROVE UNIFIED
Miriam Lyons, Jenny Williams, and Ceonita Dockery are three teachers who teach and serve behind the screens at the Virtual Academy of Elk Grove Unified. All three teachers were hired when the academy began and they continue to fuel their passions for teaching children.
From a young age, Miriam has always loved books and learning. As she progressed from college to working in Title I schools, she developed a love for learning and wanted to share it with others. When she began working at the Virtual Academy, she realized how the Internet has allowed the world to become a student’s classroom. She says, “It is one of the most demanding but rewarding roles (aside from being a mother of two) that I have taken on.” She continued with, “No two days are like… It continues to be a profession where we open the doors of endless possibilities for each and every one of our students and help them develop their talents, interests, and skills to become what they dream to be.”
Jenny Williams began her first teaching job in Sacramento after receiving her BA from California State University Chico in 2001. While she enjoyed her job, she knew she always wanted to go back to the Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD) to teach. She was a product of EGUSD from elementary to high school and wanted to return. She taught at the same elementary school for 9 years and when she learned the district planned to open a virtual school, she knew it would be a perfect fit for her. Since starting at the academy, she has since obtained an MA in Educational Leadership and she currently works with 4-6th graders in the program. In the future, she sees herself transitioning to teaching K-3rd graders. When she’s not helping her students online, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, watching sports and going to Disneyland.
Ceonita Dockery also shares her co-workers passion for teaching. She began teaching after obtaining a BA from San Diego State University, as well as an MA in Education Technology from Sacramento State University. She has worked with a wide range of ages, but she has found that she prefers upper grades. She says, “The Virtual Academy has maintained its consistency and growth with steadfast teachers who have started and stayed with the Virtual Academy since [its] inception. We are committed to say the least”.
She further stated, “Every year the Virtual Academy changes and grows for the better, as we all should. I am invested in supporting youth grow to their full potential and figure out who they want to be in the world. I am an open book and encourage my students to call me with ALL of the questions they can muster up.” When she’s not teaching and helping her students grow she’s busy spending time with her family. She has two little boys and one college student at UC Santa Cruz. When the first day of summer hits, they’re on the road and are rarely home until school starts up again in the fall.
ABOUT THE VIRTUAL ACADEMY OF ELK GROVE UNIFIED
Every child is unique, and the Virtual Academy of Elk Grove Unified celebrates that uniqueness by providing a rich, challenging and individualized learning experience for each of its students. The Virtual Academy school offers flexibility, support and enrichment tailored specifically to each child’s needs. Whether students are homeschoolers, budding athletes or actors, homebound or even just looking for an alternative to the regular classroom experience, the Virtual Academy has something for everyone.
The academy’s highly trained, dedicated certificated teachers oversee and monitor the progress and curriculum and work closely with the Learning Coach to provide a comprehensive educational experience. In addition to the academic side, the academy hosts exciting field trips to farms, PE days, historical sites, art contests, gingerbread building events and monthly socials to allow families to develop friendships, support groups and just have a lot of fun.
Media Contact
Company Name: Elk Grove Unified School District
Contact Person: Xanthi Pinkerton
Email: Send Email
Phone: Mobile: +1 (916) 261-6219 | Office: (916) 686-7732 | Fax: (916) 686-7787
Address:9510 Elk Grove-Florin Road
City: Elk Grove
State: CA 95624
Country: United States
Website: www.egusd.net
