Originally published in the Las Cruces Sun News - January 2, 2022
I have been an educator in Santa Fe New Mexico for the last 12 years. The first 11 years I taught in a traditional school setting, being physically present in front of my students. This year I have been fortunate enough to have been given the opportunity to teach remotely with Destinations Career Academy of New Mexico.
I knew that if I was able to teach in an online setting, I would be able to set up a safe classroom environment where all my students felt valued, respected, and safe to be able to share their thoughts and opinions.
Online teaching/learning allows for a unique dynamic between student and student, and student and teacher. Students can see and respond to fellow students, and teachers in real time, while being in the comfort of their own home. This comfort level allows for students to step out of their shells and feel safe in giving answers and participating in class when they may not have done so in the traditional setting.
The relationships I’ve made with the students has been the best experience. We have built a safe, respectful, fun environment together, just like I envisioned. Everyone is free to participate at their own comfort level. As I have had more time teaching at NMDCA, and more time with my students, they have started sharing stories with me about how much they have liked becoming part of the NMDCA family.
We, as educators, can be creative, engaging and dynamic with how we present the curriculum to our students. This freedom has created a fun learning environment that keeps the students engaged, challenged and learning.
Online learning works.
To learn more about Destinations Career Academy of New Mexico, visit nmdca.k12.com
