Ms. Cortes
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, University of Phoenix; Master of Science in Special Education, Western Governors University
Ms. Cortes entered the world of online education in 2013 when she began tutoring essay writing. In 2020, she started teaching at Pearson Online Academy, where she teaches fourth grade and especially enjoys helping students overcome learning blocks.
Why I Became a Teacher
I first realized I wanted to be a teacher when I was 10 years old. I had just taught my 7-year-old cousin some multiplication tricks, and we proudly showed our parents her new skill. Somewhere in that conversation, one of them said I should be a teacher. I grabbed that and ran with it.
As a student myself, I recall observing how my teachers taught and how my classmates responded, taking mental notes as to what did and didn’t work. By high school, I took every opportunity to learn more about teaching and how people learned.
My favorite classroom activity is when students get to share their own work, because it encourages them to see others respond while encouraging the group to complete higher-quality work.
The Online School Experience at Pearson Online Academy
Teaching online means I get to work with a diverse group of students I otherwise wouldn’t have had the pleasure of meeting. I encourage cross-communication among my students. They’re often comfortable enough speaking directly to their teacher, but getting them to communicate with one another can be a bit more challenging. Some methods I’ve used include having students work on a project together, playing online collaborative games and group scavenger hunts, and small group or partnered assignments.
Students here gradually become very independent in their learning and thus learn to take personal accountability for their own education. This level of responsibility may take some time, but it’s highly beneficial to the child, family, and society.
Pearson gets kids acclimated to learning and socializing online, which makes it easier for them to work in this type of environment when they’re older.
— Ms. Cortes
My Personal Interests
I enjoy learning about plants and animals. I have a bit of a hobby farm which includes an ever-expanding garden and flock of chickens (and a few guinea fowl). I also enjoy homeschooling my three daughters.