As principal of Utah Connections Academy, a virtual public school serving students from all across the state, this is a particularly rewarding time of year – graduation time. As an educator with 18 years of experience, I can honestly say the pride I feel when I see a student take hold of his or her diploma never gets old. It's not so much the piece of paper but the hard work and academic achievement it represents.
But I must also commend my students for something else – for choosing a different educational path. They attend a virtual public school – they work with teachers online and on the phone while a parent or other adult monitors their progress. They are leveraging the power of technology and succeeding in a new school environment – one that meets their needs. There are many opinions about education and what it should "look like." Let the success of these pioneering graduates help shape the discussion.
Linda Harless
Woods Cross