The COVID-19 pandemic forced many teachers to abruptly shift to online instruction. While challenging, some teachers found they thrived in the virtual environment. Nancy Relien, a first-grade teacher for Fox Valley Virtual School, shares her insights on what it takes to be a successful virtual teacher.
Making the Leap to Virtual Teaching
Mrs. Relien first started virtual teaching during the initial COVID-19 shutdowns in 2020, and after the return to in-person instruction, she was asked to continue as a virtual teacher at Fox Valley Virtual School. “My biggest hesitation was the technology itself,” she said. “This was a big change in my life, but it turned out to be the best decision I’ve made.” Her openness to learning new skills allowed her to transition successfully into virtual teaching. “Having a supportive principal who would answer any questions as they came up was invaluable in getting up to speed. Everyone at FVVS has supported me and helped me quickly learn new platforms and digital tools.” Mrs. Relien believes with the proper support, teachers from all backgrounds can make the leap to virtual.
Building Connections and Community
One of the most significant differences between in-person and virtual teaching is the physical separation between teachers and students. Mrs. Relien stresses the importance of building connections early on. “We maintain open communication with families and really focus on getting to know our students. Being connected to technology allows us a bit more flexibility to connect with families and to help set expectations and milestones early on.”
That same flexibility allows Fox Valley Virtual teachers to focus on personalization for each student and ensure that students are thriving in the virtual environment. “We create clear expectations, a consistent yet flexible schedule, and offer built-in supports. Our virtual environment allows us to move quickly when we see students need something different—whether it’s one-on-one support, a different small group, or additional or enhanced learning. We set them up for success.”
Leveraging Digital Tools to Enhance Instruction
Mrs. Relien teaches a curriculum that parallels the one offered in her district's traditional classrooms, yet she has transformed her teaching methods to take full advantage of digital resources. She incorporates digital math manipulatives and educational content into her instruction. To provide flexible learning opportunities, she produces lesson videos that her students can watch at their convenience. She maintains an interactive and tailored educational experience by holding weekly one-on-one meetings with each student. Moreover, she conducts live sessions for the entire class, integrating math, social interaction, science, social studies, and interactive read-alouds.
“Our curriculum is top-notch,” said Mrs. Relien. “It’s aligned with the Menasha Joint School District. For example, math is the same. We teach the same concepts and follow the same curriculum, but we move it to a digital platform. With our small class sizes, we get to know our students so well. We can see exactly what each student needs and plan small groups to target their needs.”
Fox Valley Virtual also offers optional in-person opportunities for students to connect with peers. STEAM Days allow students to come into the Menasha Joint School District buildings to participate in fun learning days built around the science curriculum. Fox Valley Virtual School also partners with Heckrodt Nature Center in Menasha and offers in-person field trips that align with the science curriculum.
Encouraging Student Independence
“Last year, I worked with a little boy who hadn’t had much schooling due to COVID-19,” remembers Mrs. Relien. “I was able to work with him one-on-one to assess what he needed to move forward. My goal was to make him comfortable in a school setting, find out what he needed, and use data to plan lessons that addressed his needs. Seeing his progress at the end of first grade was amazing! I love seeing students shine and grow.”
Younger students just beginning school may require extra encouragement to feel comfortable in the learning environment, and Fox Valley Virtual School is all about fostering that sense of belonging and confidence in students.
“Parents have the opportunity to be more involved when it comes to virtual learning,” shares Mrs. Relien, “but students are capable of independent learning and growing their competency throughout the year.” One way Mrs. Relien fosters that independence in students is by offering flexible due dates. Rather than daily deadlines, students have flexible due dates for completing their work, usually by the end of the week. This allows students to choose when to focus on specific topics, while still having scheduled milestones that prevent a last-minute rush to finish everything. Fostering self-direction takes work but pays dividends in virtual learners.
What It Takes to Be a Successful Virtual Teacher
Mrs. Relien provides excellent insights for any teacher considering making the leap to virtual schooling. “If there’s one thing I can share,” said Mrs. Relien, “it’s how great the staff is at Fox Valley Virtual School. They’re very supportive. Anything you need, anything a student needs, you’ll have it. My success is a team success. I’m grateful every day for this incredible new opportunity.”
The COVID-19 pandemic opened teachers' eyes to the possibilities of virtual education. While transitioning to online teaching has challenges, creative and dedicated virtual teachers have found ways to connect with students and deliver top-notch virtual instruction. Virtual schooling is no longer a second-rate option due to the pandemic but a competitive, comprehensive option serving students and families with the same quality education offered in traditional schools.
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