Teacher Spotlight: Mrs. Lisa Ball Brings Connection and Confidence to Every Virtual Lesson 

California Virtual Academies (CAVA) fifth-grade teacher Mrs. Lisa Ball creates an online classroom where learning feels personal, engaging, and full of encouragement. She describes her teaching style as intentional and interactive, planning lessons that hold students’ attention and make learning enjoyable. Her goal each day is to help students feel confident in themselves and proud of their accomplishments. 

Building relationships is at the heart of her classroom. Mrs. Ball takes time to learn how each student prefers to learn and about their interests. She uses those details to make students feel seen and valued, whether noticing LEGO sets in the background, remembering a soccer tournament, or asking about a favorite hobby. She also shares her own interests and artwork, creating a space where students feel comfortable opening up. 

Understanding how children think and grow is another key part of her approach. Mrs. Ball studies child development to better connect with her fifth graders and describes herself as a lifelong learner who always seeks ways to make lessons meaningful. Her work reflects CAVA’s Engage, Connect, Grow mindset, weaving those principles into every lesson as she supports students through this important stage. She believes fifth grade is an important stage because students are becoming more aware of themselves while also preparing for middle school. 

Her lessons include both academic and life skills. She teaches notetaking, close reading, and problem-solving to help students feel ready for the next step in their education. “I want to make sure they have good social skills, problem-solving skills, and everything they need to move from elementary to middle school,” she says. 

Mrs. Ball is also known for celebrating her students’ achievements in thoughtful ways. Students earn points through her classroom incentive program for participation and effort that they can use in a virtual class store. She mails handwritten notes or small prizes, like bookmarks or stickers, which reflect each student’s personality, showing that even in an online school, connection is personal and meaningful beyond the screen. Parents receive messages celebrating milestones, such as when a student volunteers to read aloud for the first time. 

For Mrs. Ball, recognition builds confidence. “When fifth graders take risks to share or read in front of the class, it needs to be recognized and celebrated,” she says. “I want them to know their voice is important and they are safe to share.” 

She credits the support of her fellow teachers for helping her succeed in the virtual environment. “CAVA is really special,” she says. “The whole fifth-grade team is special. We share ideas, support one another, and celebrate our students together.” 

One parent describes her impact best: “She sends personal welcome notes, replies to messages right away, and even mails small prizes. She puts her whole heart into teaching. She is a true Wonder Woman of education.” 

Mrs. Ball’s dedication and compassion remind every student that learning is something to enjoy and believe in. Her kindness leaves a lasting mark on the CAVA community and shows how one teacher’s encouragement helps students find long-lasting confidence far beyond the classroom.