Celebrating the Educators Who Make a Difference Every Day: Teacher Appreciation Week

Each year, Teacher Appreciation Week gives us a special opportunity to recognize the educators who make a lasting impact on our students and school community. At Indiana Gateway Digital Academy (INGDA), our teachers do far more than deliver instruction: they build relationships, inspire confidence, and create meaningful learning experiences that extend well beyond the virtual classroom.

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we asked our Admin Team to nominate teachers to spotlight. In doing so, we learned what we already knew. INGDA teachers show up with passion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to student success.

Elementary Spotlight

For our youngest learners, that foundation starts with educators like Ms. Alex Baker, who “creates a warm, engaging, and supportive classroom environment where every child feels valued and excited to learn.” By making kindergarten both joyful and meaningful, she is “building a strong foundation for each student, both academically and socially.” Beyond her classroom, Ms. Baker also steps into a leadership role, “providing guidance, collaboration, and leadership to her colleagues.”

That same sense of connection and enthusiasm continues throughout the elementary experience. Ms. Candace Hoffman “brings an amazing level of enthusiasm and positivity to her online classroom,” creating “an engaging and dynamic learning environment where students feel connected, motivated, and inspired.” Her ability to build meaningful relationships stands out, as she consistently supports students both inside and outside the classroom. Whether through summer school or as the advisor of the school’s civics club, she helps foster student voices and leadership.

Making a Difference in Middle School

In middle school, innovation and collaboration take center stage. Ms. Morgan Velez “finds new programs to use to create more engagement in class” and “dedicates time weekly to help students improve their grade and their overall understanding.” Known as “an out-of-the-box thinker when it comes to lesson planning,” she is always looking for ways to improve instruction. Her impact extends beyond her own classroom; she is “a team player” and “a prime example of what teacher leadership should look like: dedicated, creative, and persistent.”

That spirit of collaboration is echoed by Megan Pettit, who is “constantly presenting new ideas for instruction” and whose “lessons are always inventive.” She not only enhances her own classroom but supports others as well, “providing game boards for other ELA teachers and

sharing ideas that help in areas such as asynchronous instruction.” Her dedication and willingness to collaborate across departments make her “fantastic to work with and learn from.”

High School Standouts

At the high school level, INGDA teachers continue to create environments where students feel both challenged and supported. Ms. Litha Sonner “consistently goes above and beyond to connect with students and provide individualized support,” while being “intentional about building strong relationships” and “uplifting her students both academically and personally.” Her commitment to growth is evident, as she continually reflects on her practice to better serve her students and school community.

Similarly, Mr. Kirk Eicher-Miller creates a classroom culture where students thrive. He “creates an online classroom where students are highly engaged, comfortable taking risks, and active participants in their learning.” In his classroom, “students regularly engage in meaningful discussions, support one another, and view mistakes as part of the learning process.” His passion and experience have helped him build a learning environment that “consistently leads to student success.”

INGDA Celebrates Our Teachers

While each of these educators brings their own unique strengths to the classroom, they all share a common purpose: to support, inspire, and empower every student they serve.

This Teacher Appreciation Week, we celebrate the dedication, creativity, and heart that INGDA teachers bring to their work each day. Their impact reaches far beyond lessons and assignments: they are shaping futures, building connections, and making a difference that lasts a lifetime.

To all our teachers, thank you for everything you do!

Ready to join us?

INGDA supports students in finding an environment that meets their needs, whether that includes flexibility to adapt to their unique schedules or added support for career and college readiness. Wherever students are in their educational journey, INGDA is committed to helping every child thrive academically, socially, and emotionally at our school. Enroll at INGDA today!

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