Teacher Spotlight: Helping Virtual Learners Find Their “Learning Zone” 

When fourth-grade teacher Ms. Jennifer Thompson talks about her students, her passion is clear. She helps students feel confident, supported and represented in their learning experience through her work in the virtual classroom and as a children’s book author. 

Ms. Thompson teaches fourth grade at California Virtual Academies (CAVA) and is actively involved in school initiatives. She looks for opportunities to strengthen programs, support families and help students engage, connect and grow. 

She shared that one of the biggest benefits of virtual learning is the ability to truly get to know students. “In our virtual setting, I can meet with students in small groups and individually. I can really get to know them,” Ms. Thompson explained. 

She also emphasized the importance of strong family partnerships. With learning coaches closely involved, families have a clearer picture of what students are learning and how they are progressing, enabling earlier support and stronger communication. 

Ms. Thompson has seen students who are shy in traditional settings become more confident online. She explained that learning from home, with a trusted adult nearby, often helps students feel more comfortable participating and taking academic risks. The virtual classroom allows students to socialize and collaborate with peers, while giving teachers the ability to closely monitor interactions and step in quickly when support is needed. 

A Question That Sparked a New Idea 

Ms. Thompson regularly uses books to build community in her classroom. She noticed that nearly every school story focused on brick-and-mortar classrooms with desks, hallways and playgrounds. 

During one read-aloud, a student shared a moment that stayed with her. 

“Ms. Thompson, I do not know what that is like,” the student said. “I have been with CAVA since kindergarten. I have never been in that kind of classroom.” 

Ms. Thompson said that moment made her realize that virtual learners rarely see themselves reflected in the books they read. She wanted students to have stories that represent their own learning environment and daily experience. 

Where’s My Learning Zone? 

That realization led Ms. Thompson to write her first children’s book, Where’s My Learning Zone? A Journey to Finding My Place to Learn. 

The story was inspired by a former student who struggled to stay focused because he did not have a consistent place for school. Each day, he logged in from a different spot in his home and spent time searching for supplies. 

Ms. Thompson worked with the student to identify a quiet area where he could create a simple learning space. Together, they focused on finding a location where materials could stay organized and where the student could mentally shift into school mode. 

“Everything hinges on having a place where you can focus,” Ms. Thompson said. “It does not have to be an expensive desk. It just needs to be a place where your materials are ready, and your family knows you are in school.” 

The book follows the main character as he discovers that a learning zone can be many things. The message is not about having the perfect setup, but about creating a space that supports focus, routine and confidence. 

Helping Students Learn to Advocate for Themselves 

Ms. Thompson emphasizes teaching students how to speak up and ask for help. She believes self-advocacy is a skill that virtual learners develop early and carry with them well beyond elementary school. 

“I tell them, your job is to be a good learner,” she said. “Advocate for yourself, ask for help and do not give up until you get it.” 

CAVA’s structure allows teachers to stay closely connected to students at every level, whether they need additional support or are ready for more advanced work. This consistency helps build trust with families and confidence in students. 

“I love our structure. I love our setup. And I love the kids we get,” Ms. Thompson shared. 

Through her teaching and her writing, Ms. Thompson is helping students see that virtual school is a place where they belong. By creating stories that reflect their lives, she gives CAVA learners a powerful message: their experience matters, and their learning journey deserves to be seen. 

What Comes Next 

Ms. Thompson is currently working on a chapter book series written for upper elementary virtual learners. The stories follow a group of students in a virtual class as they navigate learning, friendships and everyday adventures together. 

She hopes students will recognize themselves in the characters and feel validated in their learning experience.

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