My Why – Students First!

In our professional development this year, we were asked our ‘why’?  Why do we teach?  Why Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy (OVCA).  That question was the easiest question I was asked all day.  My ‘why’ began 9 years ago.  We were given our oldest grandchild to raise.  He was 14, going into the 9^th grade.  I had stopped teaching due to the legalistic way brick and mortar public schools were heading.  I made the decision that I would homeschool.  I told myself that I am a licensed teacher…I can do this.  I wanted to have a curriculum that followed state standards because I felt that would help me to get him what he needed.  He also was in special education because he couldn’t read.  His last school records showed he was reading at or below first grade level.  

I started my google search and found OVCA.  I called and found out they offered tutoring, had a special education department, and followed state guidelines.  Jackpot…he was enrolled on the spot.     

Choosing OVCA was the best choice ever.  In that one year, our grandson went from reading at or below first grade level to reading at 5^th grade level.  It was life changing for us all.  He gained more than a knowledge of reading, he gained confidence, a better attitude, greater self-esteem.  I gained confidence in public schools again.     

I then decided that a school which put students first was one I would like to be part of in a teaching aspect.  I went into teaching to make a difference, and this is a school that would give me that opportunity again.  I applied and was hired. 

I have another grandson that also came to OVCA due to his parents divorcing and him needing a school in which he could go between homes in different towns and still school while custody battle was going on.    His dad, my son, came home each night from work and would call me and say that my grandson can’t be getting the education he needs.  He felt it was too easy and he wasn’t getting what he needed to be successful.  “Mom, I don’t want Bub to fall behind.”  I would assure him that we follow a strict curriculum and that if he did what was required, he would be fine.  Well, after the custody battle, my son gained custody and the next year put Bub back in brick and mortar.  Bub scored the highest on his beginning of the year test.  My son called…” mom can you believe that?”!  My answer was…duh, I told you we are a top-notch school.  He is a believer!  Then COVID hit and my grandson had to do his schooling online again.  He already knew how, and it was so easy for him to transition.   

So, each year when asked the ‘why’ I teach and the ‘why’ of OVCA, my answer remains the same…. We put students first!  That is how we get success stories such as my own personal story.  I am entering my 22 second year of teaching and my 8^th year with OVCA.  I am so happy that I found this school for my family and for me. 

OVCA is a big WIN for my family, and I know I am only one of many success stories.  Over the past 7 years, I have seen so many successes with our families.  Online schooling is not for everyone, but for me, it is the only way to teach, learn, and grow.  Why??? We put students first! 

Jennifer Ratzloff is a math interventionist who joined the team in 2016. She brings more than 14 years of experience. Jennifer taught special education previously. She earned an AS in early childhood from Conner’s State College, BS in special education from Northeastern University, and MA in elementary education from Jones International University. Jennifer holds a certificate in elementary education.