Cultivating Community: Meet the Teachers Who Make the Difference
One of the most important parts of any student’s experience is the educators guiding them along the way. That’s why this post is all about our amazing teachers—the people who make learning engaging, personalized, and inspiring in a virtual school setting.
Whether your student is just beginning their journey with us or continuing their online learning adventure, getting to know the Stellar Pines teaching team is a great first step.
Why Connection Matters
In traditional schools, students interact with teachers face-to-face every day. In a virtual school, fostering those connections requires intentional effort, but the results are just as meaningful.
Strong teacher-student relationships:
Support academic growth and mastery of skills.
Build confidence and engagement in a virtual environment.
Foster a sense of community, even when learning from home.
At Stellar Pines, we emphasize connection and accessibility. Every student has opportunities to interact with their teachers through live lessons, discussion boards, one-on-one sessions, and feedback on assignments.
How Students Can Connect with Teachers
At Stellar Pines, communication is key. Here are ways students can stay connected:
Live Class Sessions: Engage directly with teachers in real time.
One-on-One Check-Ins: Schedule meetings for additional support or guidance.
Discussion Boards: Ask questions, share insights, and collaborate with classmates.
Email & Messaging: Reach out for help, feedback, or advice anytime.
These options make it easy for students to feel seen, heard, and supported—essential elements for success in an online learning environment.
A Day in the Life of a Stellar Pines Teacher
Ever wonder what it’s like to teach at a virtual school? Our educators manage a balance of live lessons, asynchronous learning, and personalized support to ensure every student thrives (typically with the help of some caffeine). A typical day might include:
Hosting live video lessons and small-group discussions.
Reviewing and providing feedback on assignments.
Checking in with students one-on-one to address questions or challenges.
Collaborating with fellow teachers to enhance curriculum and share best practices.
These activities demonstrate that teaching online is dynamic and interactive—not just reading slides or recording lessons. Stellar Pines teachers bring creativity, patience, and energy to every virtual interaction.
Teaching Beyond the Screen
Our teaching team brings diverse experiences, passions, and expertise to Stellar Pines. Each teacher is committed to creating a supportive environment where students can thrive. But our team at Stellar Pines strives to be more than faces on a screen; we’re people, working every day to cultivate a vibrant community. You can find their bio’s on Our Team page, but here’s a less formal introduction. Let’s hear what our teachers have to say!
Q: Why did you choose to teach in a virtual school rather than a traditional classroom?
Ms. Johnsen: I chose a virtual school because it allows for more flexibility in how I support students, especially when it comes to personalized learning and one-on-one connections. It also gives students a unique environment where they can feel more comfortable, and I enjoy finding creative ways to keep them engaged and successful in a digital environment.
Ms. Fuller: I chose virtual school counseling to help support students who need a flexible and individualized learning plan. The virtual world is growing tremendously and I knew my passion could keep thriving in a space that encourages unique paths and personalities.
Ms. Gettys: I chose to teach in a virtual school because I value the flexibility, accessibility, and innovation that online learning provides. Virtual schools remove barriers—students can learn regardless of location, health, or personal circumstances—and I wanted to be part of making education more equitable. I also enjoy integrating technology creatively, designing interactive lessons, and finding new ways to keep students engaged online.
At the same time, I see virtual teaching as an opportunity to build meaningful connections in nontraditional ways. I’ve found that when lessons are well-structured and students feel supported, strong relationships and deep learning can happen just as powerfully online as in a physical classroom.
Q: How do you structure your lesson plans to accommodate different learning styles and still make them engaging in a virtual setting?
Ms. Johnsen: I design my lesson plans to include a mix of visual, auditory, and hands-on activities so all students can connect with the material in a way that works best for them. I also build in flexibility and options for how students show what they’ve learned, so everyone has a chance to succeed.
Mr. Wilson: I add a lot of variety in the way the material is presented. Written material is already presented by the Brightthinker curriculum, so I will often go through that with the students. But, I like to present the material again in a more simplified way, particularly by creating some streamlined infographics of the material or some visual representation of what's being presented. In live lessons I am very dedicated to asking personal questions of the students and engaging them in discussion about the material, usually asking WHY things are the way they are, if they would want it any other way, and if it makes sense to them.
Q:What’s your favorite part of a daily routine with students? Why does it feel meaningful?
Mr. Latter: I enjoy seeing students use their siblings in the next room, a parent/guardian, even their pets, as a reference or resource in a live setting. That 'reality' that students can use as they learn from the comfort of their own bedroom, kitchen table, or living room is unique and I am fascinated when students and families see how special that is in comparison to a formal classroom, desks-in-a-row type situation.
Mrs. Lasky: I love when a concept clicks! That's probably the most fulfilling. HOWEVER my favorite part of my day is getting to know my students. I love getting a funny email of a meme a student knows I will love, or pet pictures, or students excited to tell me about something they did over the weekend. Connecting is my favorite part!
Q: What is one lesson or class that stuck with you as a student? How does it guide your teaching today?
Monsieur Kollmer: I had a teacher who was fond of asking us challenging questions that we didn't realize were challenging because the answers seemed so obvious. He would routinely change our worldview by making us reanalyze what assumptions we'd taken for granted and make us think, "Don't you think that XYZ happens because....?"
Ms. Gettys: One lesson that has always stayed with me is from third grade. I really struggled with reading in elementary school, and it often left me feeling discouraged. But my third grade teacher believed in me—she saw my potential even when I couldn’t see it myself. With her patience, encouragement, and extra support, I was finally able to grow as a reader, and that experience changed how I viewed myself as a learner. Today, that memory guides my teaching because I know how powerful it is when a teacher believes in their students. I strive to create that same sense of encouragement and possibility in my classroom—meeting students where they are, celebrating their progress, and helping them see that they are capable of more than they might realize.
Q: And finally - a fun fact?
Ms. Fuller: My parents, sibling, daughter, partner, dog and I, all have names that start with the letter J!
Ms. Gettys: I am related to James Gettys who founded the town of "Gettysburg."
Ms. Johnsen: I can walk on my hands across a football field!
Monsieur Kollmer: I have a noncommercial radio license, but haven't used it in more than thirty years.
Mrs. Lasky: I have played Viola and sung in the Sydney Opera House!
Mr. Latter: I've visited 38 of the 50 states in the U.S.
Mr. Wilson: I was on a hip-hop dance team for 11 years. I've performed at Disneyland and Trailblazer halftime shows.
Want to know more about our wonderful team? Keep an eye on our Instagram and Facebook as we follow their Stellar journey (and maybe even see a few furry friends…)
Preparing for a Successful Year
As students begin the school year, knowing your teachers and understanding how to connect with them can set the tone for success. Here are a few tips:
Introduce yourself early: A quick email or message helps start a connection.
Participate actively: Engage in live sessions and discussions.
Ask questions: Don’t wait! Our teachers are here to help.
Share feedback: Let teachers know what works best for your learning style.
By taking these steps, students can maximize the benefits of online education and feel confident navigating their virtual experience.
Looking Ahead
The Stellar Pines teaching team is excited to meet every student and support them in reaching their goals. From academic achievements to personal growth, our teachers are ready to make this school year meaningful, engaging, and inspiring.
As families and students get to know our educators, they’ll see that online learning is not just about convenience—it’s about quality education, supportive relationships, and opportunities to thrive.
Meet Your Teachers Today
Getting to know the people guiding your child’s education is the first step to a successful year. At Stellar Pines Virtual Academy, we invite families to explore our teacher profiles and feel confident that your student is supported every step of the way.
It is crucial that we make our students feel seen, and let them know they have a say so in how, and what, they learn.
Ms. Fuller
Ready to see what makes Stellar Pines special? Learn more about our teachers, explore our programs, and start your student’s online school journey today!
