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Best Practices (Teaching and Leadership)

Leading with Heart: Putting people first in the virtual world.

Wednesday, February 26, 2025
9:00 AM – 9:35 AM East Coast USA Time
Location: Skyline 4
Session Type: Table Talks

    Presenter(s)

  • Lisa A. Zimmerman

    ElancOnline Virtual Elementary Coordinator
    Eastern Lancaster County School District
    East Earl, PA, United States

  • William Swinsburg

    ElancOnline Virtual Academy Coordinator
    Eastern Lancaster County School District
    Lancaster, PA, United States

  • Zachary Fulmer (he/him/his)

    ELANCOnline Virtual Academy Coordinator
    ELANCO School District
    Lititz, PA, United States

If you selected Cutting-Edge, what innovative ideas, approaches, or methodologies will your session introduce or explore?: A virtual mentoring program in K-12 virtual education personalizes learning and bridges the gap between traditional instruction and real-world application. Offering one-on-one guidance and fostering meaningful connections enhances engagement, builds skills, and provides tailored support, empowering learners to achieve their goals effectively.

Abstract Description :

 As leaders of the ElancOnline Virtual Academy (EOL), we believe relationships are at the heart of student success & achievement.  This starts with building a strong culture among the leaders, teachers, and administrators to build empowered online educators.  At the elementary level, mentoring relationships are built from the earliest of ages with students & families.  At the secondary level, relationships are built through dedicated mentors who walk alongside individual students in their personal education journey.

If someone was doing a search for your session in the program what 5 words might they use to search for and find your session.: Leadership; People-Centered; Mentor; Empowerment; Education

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will understand and apply methods for building meaningful mentoring relationships at both elementary and secondary levels, enhancing student success and engagement in a virtual learning setting.
  • Participants will be able to identify strategies for fostering a strong, relationship-driven culture among leaders, teachers, and administrators to create a supportive environment that empowers online educators.
  • Participants will develop the ability to establish and maintain effective mentorship relationships by applying active listening, clear communication, and empathy to foster trust, mutual respect, and professional growth.