On April 17th, CBS 21 aired a segment that delved into cyber school enrollment and how cyber school works. Hosted by the ever-insightful Jasmine Brooks, the segment provided a platform for professionals to share their insights and experiences with online education. One standout voice in the discussion was our very own Katie Barnett, a dedicated teacher we have been lucky enough to have as part of the PA Virtual community for 18 years.
In her appearance on CBS 21, Barnett spoke passionately about her journey as an educator at PA Virtual Charter School. She illuminated the audience with firsthand anecdotes, explaining how cyber education works and how it has changed over the years. With unwavering enthusiasm, she highlighted the personalized approach to education that sets PA Virtual apart, emphasizing how it caters to each student's unique needs.
Barnett's testimonial, along with commentary from psychologist Dr. Tony Reigle and Pastor Josh Robertson, helped paint a picture of why school choice is so important and how families aren't "one size fits all" when it comes to education. But Katie Barnett also pointed out that cyber schools do have many similarities with traditional public schools when it comes to teacher-student relationships.
"My classroom operates just like it would in a physical brick-and-mortar scenario," Barnett shared. "My students come in and tell me stories, and they're showing me pictures they've drawn, they are sharing their siblings and home with me and I'm invited into their homes, and they are invited into mine"
In a time where the landscape of education is constantly evolving, PA Virtual Charter School stands as a beacon of innovation and progress. Thanks to dedicated educators like Katie Barnett, the future of virtual schooling looks brighter than ever.
You can view the full interview here.
