Teacher Profiles
Ever wonder who is on the other end of the instant message, email, or phone call? Our Minnesota-certified online teachers are passionate about what they do and invest in the success of every student. Read below for profiles on just a few of our great teachers.
Mr Miller - History
"When people ask me why I enjoy being a teacher, it is an easy answer. I like teaching because I enjoy working with young people in a way that will help them grow to be knowledgeable, empathetic, and effective adults. Unfortunately, in our society today, many students come from ineffective or neglectful homes and a teacher can be the only positive influence that student has in a given day. That is a huge responsibility but I relish it and my constant awareness of that responsibility drives my interactions with my students every day. As educators, we have one of the most important roles in a young person’s life. That role can be positive or negative and I strive to make sure my role will always be a positive one.
Outside of teaching, I love any outdoor activity. Hiking, camping, gardening, anything. I am a Civil War Re-enactor, and a member of the 10th Kansas Volunteer infantry battalion, which re-enacts all over Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Minnesota. I also enjoy caving, and Scuba diving. I also make the best brisket and ribs west of the Mississippi."
Ms Chow - Math
"I taught in a regular classroom for 6 years and do miss the student interaction but feel that I have more opportunity to help students one-on-one online. The reason I became a teacher is to try to make a difference in at least one student’s future. I feel that have done that for many students, especially working for Minnesota Virtual High School/Advanced Academics."
Ms Church - Art
"Before coming to Minnesota Virtual High School/Advanced Academics, I worked as an art teacher with students of all ages ranging from primary to secondary grades to teaching collegiately. As a studio artist I reveled in working collaboratively alongside my students experimenting with paint, clay, fiber, wood and other materials. As an online art teacher I am expanding my artistic potential by learning how to utilize computer drawing and photo processing software to create website design and graphic art images. The benefits of exploring a wide range of options has helped me to grow become a fuller, more adept individual.
I enjoy creating sculptures from found objects and expressing my personal experience through art. People make art for many reasons. For me, art is a problem solving process that is autobiographical in nature. If I am struggling with life transitions such as adjusting to a new job or moving to a new location, I can express my anxiety and find answers to my questions by making art. The act of learning about the art of others is an intellectual activity that I relish as well. "
Ms Gillmore - English
"I taught English and drama in the classroom before coming to work at Minnesota Virtual High School/Advanced Academics. I enjoy teaching online because of the one-on-one interaction it allows me to have with my students. The time that I have to help students learn concepts is not limited by a bell schedule, and I can be sure that my students have really grasped the material in this format. I feel that our students leave us well prepared for their lives beyond high school because of the individualized attention they receive here.
My love of English and literature extends beyond my job. I perform in classical theater locally, and I name my pets after characters from Shakespeare. I have two cats, Snug and Snout. I am also an avid reader, and do my best to share my love of a good story with my students."
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