From the Classroom to Virtual Learning: How One Teacher Found Her Purpose at VAVA 

When Mrs. Ensign made the move from an in-person classroom to Virginia Virtual Academy (VAVA), she discovered what education could really be. Now in her fifth year as a seventh-grade life science teacher, the Richmond-based educator has become a passionate advocate for virtual learning and shaping new ways for students to engage with science. 

Falling in Love with Virtual Learning 

Mrs. Ensign’s journey into online education began during the pandemic, when her home school district launched a temporary virtual school. She was selected to build the first nine weeks of life science curriculum – a challenge that quickly became a turning point. 

“I fell in love with virtual learning,” she said. “It removes a lot of the barriers students can face in a classroom and puts them in the front seat of their own learning experience with the teacher right there alongside them.” 

From that moment on, virtual education was where she wanted to be. That decision led her to VAVA, where she joined at a time when many districts were moving away from online options. Five years later, she’s grateful she trusted her instincts.  

Why Middle School? 

While many educators shy away from middle school, Mrs. Ensign sees it as the perfect blend of curiosity and growth. 

“It’s that age where the magic is still there,” she said. “They’re starting to figure out who they are, but they’re still amazed by learning new things.” 

Beyond teaching science content, Mrs. Ensign takes the opportunity to guide students through an important stage of development. Her classroom often becomes a place for conversations about identity, pressure, and stereotypes – all woven naturally into science lessons. 

“We talk about what a scientist looks like, and how those stereotypes show up in the media,” she said. “And I remind them that it’s okay to change, to feel unsure, and to be themselves.” 

For Mrs. Ensign, teaching middle school science means supporting the whole student, academically and emotionally. 

A Lifelong Scientist at Heart 

Mrs. Ensign’s passion for life science began early, with a defining moment in sixth grade. 

“At the end of the year, they called my name for the science award,” she said. “I didn’t even realize it at first, someone had to nudge me. Science was just always part of who I was.” 

That curiosity followed her into adulthood, from studying biology to volunteering with marine and zoo education programs before entering the classroom. Today, she brings that same enthusiasm to her students, especially her love of animals and the natural world. 

Facilitating moments of discovery, like when a student sees the world differently, continues to drive her passion. 

Teaching Without Boundaries 

For Mrs. Ensign, virtual learning offers something traditional classrooms often struggle to provide. 

“The virtual environment removes boundaries,” she said. “Students aren’t defined by where they sit or how they look. They can just focus on learning.” 

She’s passionate about designing experiences that meet students where they are, encouraging participation, exploration, and ownership of learning. While virtual teaching requires thoughtful planning and constant evolution, Mrs. Ensign embraces the challenge. 

“If something isn’t working, we will change it,” she said. “Teaching today’s students means stepping outside your comfort zone. And that’s where growth happens.” 

Reimagining with Learning Can Be 

As education continues to evolve, Mrs. Ensign sees virtual learning as a powerful space for innovation – not just in technology, but in how students connect to content and to each other. 

“At the end of the day, it’s about making learning meaningful,” she said. “When students are engaged, curious, and feel supported, that’s when real learning happens.” 

For Mrs. Ensign, VAVA isn’t just where she teaches. It’s where she’s been able to rethink what education can be and help students discover the joy of science along the way. 

Is Online Learning Right for Your Family? 

Virtual education is one of the many choices out there for your child. Explore Virginia Virtual Academy and discover how our flexible online programs can empower your child to thrive, graduate early, and achieve their goals sooner. Click here to get started today! 

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