Cultivating Community: Meet Our teachers
One of the most important parts of any student’s experience is the educators guiding them along the way. That’s why this post is all about our amazing teachers—the people who make learning engaging, personalized, and inspiring in a virtual school setting.
Whether your student is just beginning their journey with us or continuing their online learning adventure, getting to know the Iowa Virtual School teaching team is a great first step.
Why Teacher Connections Matter in Online School
In traditional schools, students interact with teachers face-to-face every day. In a virtual school, fostering those connections requires intentional effort, but the results are just as meaningful. Strong teacher-student relationships:
Support academic growth and mastery of skills.
Build confidence and engagement in a virtual environment.
Foster a sense of community, even when learning from home.
At Iowa Virtual, we emphasize connection and accessibility. Every student has opportunities to interact with their teachers through live lessons, discussion boards, one-on-one sessions, and feedback on assignments.
A Day in the Life of a Iowa Virtual Teacher
Ever wonder what it’s like to teach at a virtual school? Our educators manage a balance of live lessons, asynchronous learning, and personalized support to ensure every student thrives. A typical day might include:
Hosting live video lessons and small-group discussions.
Reviewing and providing feedback on assignments.
Checking in with students one-on-one to address questions or challenges.
Collaborating with fellow teachers to enhance curriculum and share best practices.
These activities demonstrate that teaching online is dynamic and interactive—not just reading slides or recording lessons. Iowa Virtual School teachers bring creativity, patience, and energy to every virtual interaction.
Teaching Beyond the Screen
Our teaching team brings diverse experiences, passions, and expertise to Iowa Virtual School. Each teacher is committed to creating a supportive environment where students can thrive. But our team at Iowa Virtual School strives to be more than faces on a screen; we’re people, working every day to cultivate a vibrant community. You can find their bio’s on Our Team page, but here’s a less formal introduction. Let’s get to know a few of our teachers!
Q: What do you like most about working at Iowa Virtual?
Señora Markos: What I love most about working at Iowa Virtual School is how connected we are as a community, even in a virtual setting. Through my homeroom role, I get to build meaningful relationships with students and families—celebrating their wins, supporting them through challenges, and helping them feel seen and valued. I also love that I get to combine my passion for teaching Spanish, language, culture, and student connection every day.
Dr. Brauer: I love knowing that we can help make school and learning actually enjoyable for our students.
Q: What’s your educational background? What do you teach?
Señora Markos: I earned my degree in Spanish Education from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and have been teaching Spanish for over 14 years, working with middle and high school students in both traditional and virtual classrooms. During college, I spent a school year studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain, where I deepened my love for the language and culture. I’m currently a Spanish and Homeroom Teacher at Iowa Virtual School, where I get to combine my passion for language, culture, and student connection every day.
Mrs. Ford: I have been teaching general music, choir, voice, and theatre in various roles for nearly 20 years. I hold a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Ouachita Baptist University and a Master of Music degree from Oklahoma City University.
Dr. Brauer: I am the Principal! I earned my doctorate in education administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. I also have four degrees from the University of Kansas. Rock Chalk Jayhawk!
Q: What do you do when you aren’t teaching?
Señora Markos: Outside of teaching, I love spending time with my family, traveling, and going to concerts. I enjoy exploring new places—especially anywhere with great food, culture, or music! I also like hiking around the La Crosse area and cheering on my kids in their activities.
Mrs. Ford: I perform in community theatre at least once a year! My family and I are regularly involved in church activities, we love movie nights, and taking Luna to the dog park!
Dr.Brauer: I love music...all kinds of music. I definitely enjoy watching sports. Crossword puzzles are my favorite daily activity.
Q: What’s something students would be surprised to learn about you?
Dr. Brauer: I've had a chance to be a guest broadcaster on the radio and tv. My dream was to be a news broadcaster.
Señora Markos: I didn’t enjoy Spanish class in high school! During my senior year, I became best friends with Andrea, an exchange student from Spain, who invited me to visit her the summer after graduation. That trip completely changed my life—I fell in love with the language and culture, which later inspired me to study abroad in Sevilla and become a Spanish teacher.
Mrs. Ford: I have been on three national game shows! Chain Reaction, 25 Words or Less, and You Bet Your Life.
Q: And finally, what’s some advice you have for an Iowa Virtual student?
Señora Markos: My best advice is to stay connected and communicate often. Reach out to your teachers and homeroom advisor—we’re here to help you every step of the way! Virtual learning gives you flexibility and independence, but success comes from setting a routine, staying organized, and asking questions when you need support. Most importantly, remember that you’re never alone—you have an entire team cheering you on!
Mrs. Ford: Make yourself a daily schedule. When you complete tasks, reward yourself in a small way like getting a snack, going for a walk, or limit yourself to just 10 minutes of phone scrolling!
These are just a few of the fantastic educators nurturing minds in our community. Want to learn more? Keep an eye on our Instagram and Facebook to learn even more about our educators (and maybe even see a few furry friends…)
Preparing for a Successful Year
As students begin the school year, knowing your teachers and understanding how to connect with them can set the tone for success. Here are a few tips:
Introduce yourself early: A quick email or message helps start a connection.
Participate actively: Engage in live sessions and discussions.
Ask questions: Don’t wait! Our teachers are here to help.
Share feedback: Let teachers know what works best for your learning style.
By taking these steps, students can maximize the benefits of online education and feel confident navigating their virtual experience.
Looking Ahead
The Iowa Virtual School teaching team is excited to meet every student and support them in reaching their goals. From academic achievements to personal growth, our teachers are ready to make this school year meaningful, engaging, and inspiring.
As families and students get to know our educators, they’ll see that online learning is not just about convenience—it’s about quality education, supportive relationships, and opportunities to thrive.
Meet Your Teachers Today
Getting to know the people guiding your child’s education is the first step to a successful year. At Iowa Virtual School, we invite families to explore our teacher profiles, connect with educators, and feel confident that your student is supported every step of the way.
I love knowing that we can help make school and learning actually enjoyable for our students.
- Dr. Brauer
Ready to see what makes Iowa Virtual School special? Learn more about our teachers, explore our programs, and start your student’s online school journey today!
