Online Teaching

Staying Connected Through Blended Learning

By April Fleetwood on June 23rd, 2020

Florida Virtual School supports Blended Learning Community (BLC) settings in schools across the state of Florida and beyond. In these blended environments, students learn through a combination of online and face-to-face learning. Over the past two years, the FLVS Analysis, Assessment, and Accountability Research Team has partnered with the University of Central Florida to study the unique environment that Blended Learning Communities offer FLVS students, teachers, and Florida schools.

Planning Tips for Teachers Moving Online

By Florida Virtual School on June 8th, 2020

As the majority of Florida’s education system transitioned online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, much focus has rightly been on helping students cope, both academically and emotionally. However, teachers who teach in a traditional classroom setting have also made the transition, in emergency conditions, and require support.

We know engaged teacher-student interaction is important to parents. To help that interaction continue, FLVS has tips to help teachers manage their online classroom, with tools they can use when they return to their normal classroom setting.

Teaching is a Work of Heart

By Florida Virtual School on May 8th, 2020

Florida Virtual School teachers strive to serve students with excellence.

Behind every computer is a unique student who our teachers aim to nurture and support. We want to give a shout-out to our amazing teachers who provide more than encouragement and support – teachers who provide Works of Heart.

Tried & Tested Tips for Teachers Going Virtual

By Florida Virtual School on April 8th, 2020

With so much panic and chaos going around us due to COVID-19, it is easy to get anxious and overwhelmed. This can be especially true for teachers whose schools have closed for an extended period of time. You may have been asked to leave your routine and embrace a virtual environment overnight and that can be very stressful.

To all the teachers out there, you’ve got this!

5 Keys to Communicating with Students & Parents Online

By Guest Blogger on April 4th, 2020

The biggest key to success when teaching in an online environment (or basically in any other situation in the world) is creating strong relationships. Connecting with students and families is easier and more fun when a good relationship is established early on.

10 Ways Schools Can Prepare for COVID-19

By Florida Virtual School on March 10th, 2020

Online education is known for providing students from all backgrounds a path for learning.

From student athletes to hospital/homebound students, online learning can offer students the opportunity to continue their education at any time and from any place. It also allows students to stay on track amid health concerns, disaster relief efforts, and other challenging circumstances.

At Florida Virtual School (FLVS), we serve schools and teachers so they are able to support students despite disruptions. Working closely with school districts, we have collected a number of best practices over the last 22 years of teaching students in this unique online environment.

Things to LOVE about Live Video Lessons

By Cara Piper on February 12th, 2020

As you may know, FLVS recently started using Zoom for our live instruction – a cloud-based platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and live interaction. As with any change, this has taken some getting used to, but I am really loving this new tool for interacting with my students and families! Continue reading

6 Interesting Facts About Teaching at FLVS

By Guest Blogger on May 15th, 2019

At Florida Virtual School, we value our diverse and dedicated team of instructors who are the foundation of our students’ success.

Teachers new to online learning often have questions about the technology or how they communicate with students. At FLVS, our award-winning student information system, Virtual School Administrator (VSA), allows us to manage, track, and engage our students. Our learning management system allows students to access the curriculum, coursework, and teacher feedback. While these tools facilitate quality instruction, the relationships teachers build with students remain central to the online teaching experience.

Want to learn more about what it’s like to teach in a virtual environment? Don’t miss the day-in-the-life video below and these interesting facts about teaching at FLVS! Continue reading

When Elementary School Goes Virtual

By Cara Piper on December 17th, 2018

I teach Kindergarten at FLVS. I know, teaching Kindergarten VIRTUALLY sounds nearly impossible. So, here’s how it works. Most of our FLVS Flex Elementary students are homeschool students. They register with FLVS for curriculum support and we meet with them twice a week in our virtual classroom for live lessons. Not only are we a teacher for our students, we are a partner with the home educator, which is often the student’s mom or dad. It’s a great option for families who want to homeschool, but also want a classroom experience and the support of a certified teacher. Continue reading

Rolling out the Red Carpet!

By Guest Blogger on July 27th, 2017

Two weeks ago, I attended the Macy’s Florida Teacher of the Year Roundtable and Gala. I spent the week meeting and collaborating with fellow district teachers of the year past and present.

I also met Florida Commissioner of Education Pamela Stewart and Chancellor Hershel Lyons. Thanks to the amazing sponsors for this event, I felt celebrated and appreciated all week receiving gifts and surprises every day.

The gala was held on Thursday at the Hard Rock Live in Orlando where Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott made a special appearance. This event was like being in a Miss America pageant complete with glitz and glam!

I walked the red carpet, had my picture taken, and was hustled backstage. Before I knew it, the spotlights were circling and the curtain rose to reveal 73 district teachers standing on stage.

Through the bright lights, I found my family and FLVS guests. Continue reading