Full Circle: From CAVA Student to CAVA Teacher 

California Virtual Academies (CAVA) is a stepping stone for many students to their next chapter—whether it is college, a career, or another academic pursuit. But for high school English teacher Lindsey Robles-Whitehead, CAVA became more than just a place to learn. It became the place where she now teaches. 

Her journey highlights how online education creates opportunities for students who need a different learning environment—and how those same students can go on to shape the next generation. 

Finding the Right Path 

Lindsey enrolled at CAVA as a freshman in high school after realizing the traditional classroom wasn’t the right fit for her. 

“I was dealing with some mental health challenges, and I just didn’t want to go to school anymore,” she recalls. “My parents were hesitant, especially my dad, who was a high school math teacher. But I told them I would find an option to still get me into college.” 

After briefly trying a homeschool co-op, Lindsey and her family found CAVA. The structured curriculum and ability to move at her own pace gave her the chance to thrive academically. 

“I was the kind of student who just wanted to get my work done,” she says. “The independence really worked for me.” 

She graduated in 2015 and was accepted to UC Irvine and UCLAbut adjusted her plans and enrolled in community college and then to San Diego State University, where she fell in love with education. 

“Honestly, it was the best decision,” she says. “Community college was a great transition. The small class sizes and affordability made it a great experience, and it set me up for success when I transferred to San Diego State University.” 

Returning as a Teacher 

After earning her degree, Lindsey considered several career paths including editing, law school, and even becoming a professor, but teaching was always in the back of her mind. She briefly attended law school in Washington, D.C. during the pandemic but quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit. 

“It made me rethink what I really wanted,” she says. “I’ve always wanted to help people, and teaching had always been in the back of my mind.” 

Lindsey earned her teaching credential and master’s degree at USC and began her career at a private all-girls school. She enjoyed working with the students but when an opportunity at CAVA opened up, she knew it was the right move. 

“I was originally hired as a long-term substitute for a teacher on maternity leave,” she says. “A month later, an English position opened up, and I’ve been here ever since.” 

Teaching in a Virtual Classroom 

Returning to CAVA as a teacher gave Lindsey a new perspective on how much the school had evolved. She now sees more teacher-led instruction, expanded career-focused courses, and increased opportunities for student engagement. “There are so many more options now,” she says. “Students have more ways to explore their interests, whether it’s through specialized courses or extracurricular activities.” 

Lindsey appreciates the ability to  focus on academics rather than classroom management and discipline. One of the biggest obstacles she faces is the rise of AI writing tools, which some students use instead of developing their own skills.  

“I tell my students, ‘I don’t want perfection. I want to see your unique voice,’” she says. “More than anything, I want them to understand that writing is a critical skill. If you write well, you have an advantage in life.” 

Looking Ahead 

Having experienced CAVA from both sides—as a student and now as a teacher, Lindsey believes online education will continue to grow as more families are looking for alternatives. CAVA’s educational offering is structured, academically strong, and prepares students for their future. 

Her advice for students who consider online school is simple: Take ownership of your education. The students who do well here are the ones who stay on top of their work and communicate with their teachers. And for parents, having the extra support at home makes a huge difference. 

This is Lindsey’s second year as a CAVA teacher, and she knows she made the right choice. 

“I feel really lucky to be here,” she says. “This is where I started, and now I get to help students on their own journeys. It’s a full-circle moment.” 

Back to Blog