“I taught English and drama in the classroom before coming to work at Advanced Academics last year. 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.”
To view past teacher spotlights please click on their name below.
Ms. Hoffman - Science
"The personal touch is my key to success in the online learning environment," says science teacher Patricia Hoffman. "My whole way of thinking and working has changed since I began teaching at Advanced Academics." Ms. Hoffman, who taught science for seventeen years in the traditional classroom, joined Advanced Academics three years ago. Since then, she has worked with hundreds of students in all areas of AAI science courses.
Although Ms. Hoffman does not see her students every day as she would in the traditional classroom, she says that she still enjoys building relationships with her online kids. "I enjoy being able to respond instantly to my students' questions and I enjoy their personalties. It is very rewarding for me." When Ms. Hoffman is not online with her students, she likes to spend time with Mickey, her 5-year old golden retriever. "He loves to swim and I'm teaching him to leap from a diving board and through a hula hoop into the pool," said Ms. Hoffman. "I'm glad I don't mind a big wet dog shaking water all over me." Ms. Hoffman is also an avid reader and yoga practitioner.
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 Oklahoma. I also enjoy caving, and Scuba diving. I also make the best brisket and ribs west of the Mississippi.
Mr. Bowie - Math
I enjoy being an online teacher because it provides the perfect venue for helping students learn in a variety of ways. First, as a math teacher, I embrace it when given the opportunity to tutor students with whatever math course he/she is working on. I feel like I really do help students when they contact me. It is very rewarding to be a teacher at Advanced Academics because I know that by helping them, I am helping them not just with the curriculum, but I am helping them to obtain life skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. For example, I get the opportunity to teach students how to use chat correctly and also how to function in an online environment. Each day holds something different and exciting.
On a personal note, I enjoy playing golf, working out, and reading. I also enjoy the opportunity that I have to watch and/or coach my own children in their sporting events. Cruises to the Caribbean have been my favorite vacations. While on the cruise, I really enjoyed scuba diving, so I would like to become a certified scuba diver some day.
