23 Years of Virtual Evolution: Nick Baker’s Journey at CAVA

Nick Baker, a sixth-grade teacher at California Virtual Academies (CAVA), spent the last 23 years witnessing and contributing to the evolving world of virtual education. When he started in 2002, virtual learning was in its earliest years, offering minimal interaction between students and teachers. Fast forward to today, and it’s a dynamic, engaging experience that fosters student success through live online teaching and personal connections. Nick offers a unique perspective on how far virtual schooling has come and how he fosters engagement. He also has ideas about what the future might look like.

From Monitoring Progress to Live Teaching

The school model was dramatically different when Nick began his career with CAVA. “We weren’t teaching live,” Nick explains. “We’d monitor student progress and meet with them in person every 20 school days to collect work samples. That was about the extent of the interaction.”

With limited day-to-day engagement, teachers like Nick had minimal opportunities to build meaningful relationships with their students. However, as technology improved, so did CAVA’s ability to offer live instruction. Today, Nick teaches math and English live five times a week, with live science lessons twice a week, and daily homeroom “class connect” sessions that allow for casual check-ins with students.

“The shift to live teaching has been a game-changer,” Nick says. “It allows us to engage with students in real-time, answer their questions immediately, and provide that personal connection that’s so important in education.”

Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment

One of Nick’s core beliefs is that students need to feel safe and supported to succeed, particularly those who may not thrive in traditional schools. CAVA provides a unique space for students who may have previously felt overwhelmed. “A lot of our students come from environments where they didn’t feel comfortable or safe,” Nick says. “Here, they can focus on learning without distractions.”

Nick fosters a strong sense of community by building relationships. His daily homeroom sessions are designed to let students share what’s happening in their lives, from fun weekend activities to serious challenges. “When students go through something tough, the academics take a backseat,” Nick explains. “We focus on being there for them, and once they feel supported, they’re able to re-engage with school.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Virtual Education

Nick is optimistic about the future of virtual education. “We’ve already seen millions of students take part in virtual programs,” Nick notes. “This isn’t just a backup option—it’s becoming a mainstream choice.”

He believes the future will include even more personalized learning paths that focus on enabling students to progress at their own pace. “The technology is only getting better, and we’ll offer even more individualized experiences,” Nick says. He also envisions more opportunities for social interaction, both online and in person, through CAVA’s outings and events.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Virtual Learning

Nick Baker’s 23 years at CAVA reflect the incredible progress virtual education has made. From a limited hands-on approach to a fully interactive experience, Nick has helped hundreds of students thrive. As virtual education grows, Nick believes it will play an even larger role in the future of learning. “This IS the future of education,” he says. “We’re just getting started.”