Avon Librarian Takes Virtual Approach to Education

An Avon educator is one of 17 teachers in nine states across the country embarking on a growing trend in education, webbing the cyber world with classroom learning.

Dr. Tabbi Heavner may be Avon High School's librarian, but soon she will add Virtual High School site coordinator to her career credits. 

She recently completed site coordinator training for the nonprofit program, a "pioneer of K-12 online learning" to facilitate the online courses at Avon High School come Jan. 29, according to a press release. 

"The VHS mission is to provide students with access to high quality online and blended learning experiences, while supporting educators with the professional development and services they need in order to provide an effective 21st century education," the press release states. "VHS partner schools have access to a wide range of core, elective, and AP® courses that inspire, ignite and deepen learning as well as enable students to develop independent learning skills, explore college majors and careers, earn credits and participate in global classrooms. Courses are taught by highly qualified teachers who are specially trained in online teaching best practices, and are certified in their subject areas."

As the high school's coordinator for Virtual High School, Heavner will "ensure the program runs smoothly." 

The training taught her how to recruit and register students for the Virtual High School courses, as well as "coordinate materials and resources, monitor progress, and help students stay on track," the press release stated. 

“We are thrilled that these teachers and administrators are devoting their time to being a part of our community, investing in the future of their students,” Jeffrey A. Elliott, president and CEO of Virtual High School, said in a statement. “Our programs succeed because of educators like these.”

The following teachers and administrators have completed the Virtual High School site coordinators training: 

Dr. Tabbi Heavner, Avon High School, Avon, CT

Wendy VanFossen, Audubon High School, Audubon, NJ

Brennan Murray, Belchertown High School, Belchertown, MA

Lynn Rappaport, ESM at Mary Hooker, Hartford, CT

Anne Burns, Portsmouth High School, Portsmouth, RI

Jennifer Mildner, Pequannock Township High School, Pompton Plains, NJ

Kim Ivester, Bowdon High School, Bowdon, GA

Laura Baffa, Walnut Township, Millersport, OH

Lindsay Roumelis, Tahanto Regional Middle/High School, Boylston, MA

Robert Young, South Kingstown High School, South Kingstown, RI

Debra Howdyshell, Liberty Union, Baltimore, OH

Cinda-Lee Bragdon, Gray New Gloucester High School, Gray, ME

Laura Monaco, Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, Marlborough, MA

Brendon Sullivan, Saugus High School, Saugus, MA

Dolores Lombardo, Minisink Valley High School, Slate Hill, NY

Evelyn Santiago, Hammonton High School, Hammonton, NJ

Sandra Rosenbaum, Robinson School, San Juan, Puerto Rico