Local teacher describes working with families in an online classroom

Jamie Gehrman of Apple Valley has been a teacher from almost 20 years. Early in her career she was a substitute teacher. She taught first graders full-time in a private Catholic School and then moved on to teach Kindergarten students and second graders in Farmington. For the past 13 years, she has been teaching at Minnesota Connections Academy where she has taught students in grades K through four.

“I came to MNCA, thinking it was going to be a short stop in my career,” Jamie said. “I didn’t have a clue what online school would be like and was skeptical. Thirteen years later, I plan to stay until it comes time for retirement.”

Having experience in both the traditional and virtual classrooms, Jamie thinks the biggest difference between the two is that the online environment removes a lot of the distractions that can occur in a traditional classroom.

The online approach is also more individualized where a student can move at their own pace meaning they can take extra time where they need and move a little quicker on something that is easier for them.

She said it also allows for a flexible schedule for students and helps them to balance their academic schedule with activities/responsibilities outside of school such as sports, music, the arts, work, family, or chores for those who live on a farm.

Learning online also allows students to work when they are at their best such as attending classes early in the morning versus working in the evening -- and students can take breaks when they need.

“You don’t have to adhere to the school schedule and interrupt your learning because it is the end of a class period,” Jamie said.

According to Jamie, the technology has evolved over the years and has given teachers more tools to engage students through more opportunities to connect one-on-one.

“I call students more often and teach more LiveLessons (online classes) then I did when I first started,” she said.

Jamie added that as an elementary teacher, she has to have frequent contact with the student’s parents/caretakers.

“I typically talk with them every two weeks which creates a true partnership in the child’s learning,” she said. “Having the support of the family and being able to have open communication on a regular basis makes a world of difference in the success of the student.”

Jamie believes great teachers build a strong rapport with their students. At Minnesota Connections Academy, she gets to do this with the student and the parents. This is her favorite part about teaching in the online setting.