Hi WOL Friends,
In our last few episodes we spoke with Courtney, Ashley, Zach, and Don Vogt, about how our learners find home in a virtual environment. From what Don calls our hands on approach to the live sessions we offer that increase engagement in the virtual setting. Courtney, Ashley and Zach each focused on the collaboration and support they get from our awesome team. Erin, Melissa, Lauren, and Olivia are laser focused on making sure our teachers are supported and have the resources they need so students can be successful.
Today I also want to lift up the support of an amazing team at Appalachia IU8. Over the past 8 years we have benefited from the support and services they provide for us. From Janel Vancas guiding me in the early days and lifting up the WOL vision. Dr. Amy Woomer for seeing our value and lifting up our work to their Intermediate Unit colleagues. Jen Anderson, who has supported our professional learning initiatives, and Dr. Chris Davis, who has guided and mentored us in course development and virtual best practices for a long time. Karlie and Jason in the business office, along with their team - who help us to see the future and guide us in the business of learning. (And making sure everyone gets paid). And our HR Department, Christy, Joyce, and Karen who help us hire and support our work.
And special thanks Dr. Tom Butler, who with the support of his Board - saw the potential and vision guided by our mentors - Tom asks the hard questions, pushes us to balance where we are, and where we can go. The IU leadership gives us the strength and support - to provide students in small and rural schools with offerings they otherwise might not have the opportunity to take. Thank you all for making us a part of the team at IU8.
I also want to remember where we have been and offer thanks to the very first people who came with me to IU8 - Fatma El Turky, Ellen Bearn, Michiyo Buckwalter, Fumiko Brown, Ann Myers, Laura Hanley, and Alina Volper - who all believed that our students deserve - great live sessions and engaging courses. That student can expand their world. They have helped to grow our team, share their experiences, and make our culture one of kindness and collaboration.
We started with this small group, to become a strong and vital community - who believe every child can have the opportunity to achieve and succeed. From 200 enrollments in a semester to the 1000+ and growing that we had at the end of this September.
Here are a few podcast that highlight who we are and what we do Every Day:
Advancing the Personalization of Online Learning through Storytelling and Connection (MCIU Podcast with Lauren McMinn)
Storyboarding - A Student Perspective Ann Myers (WOL and Turkeyfoot Student)
Supporting Student Success Fiona Grugan (Gallaudet University)
Expanding Learning and Empathy Ashely Hertzog (WOL)
Excellence in Engaging Michiyo Buckwalter (WOL)
As always, we are here to support you if you can’t find a teacher or just need to think about how to make your own online learning experience authentic, relevant and engaging.
Have a great day,
Pat
It Takes Everyone