Mr. Ethridge
Bachelor’s degree in Comparative Literary Studies, Northwestern University; Master’s degree in Public Policy, Muskie School of Public Service, University of Maine; Secondary Education Teacher Certification, University of New England
Will Ethridge started teaching in 2017 and joined Pearson Online Academy in 2020. He teaches language arts to students in eighth grade.
Why I Became a Teacher
I became a teacher following my son’s heart transplant. He’s alive because another child’s heart beats in his body. We’re all connected, and when we help each other, we help the world. Teaching is my way of giving myself to others and learning from the world around me. Also, I believe the development and communication of knowledge is the basis for our survival and growth on this planet.
Teaching online allows me to connect with families around the world. I love helping students develop writing and communication tools to express their unique thoughts and experiences.
The Online School Experience at Pearson Online Academy
I’m a devoted advocate and player of the world’s greatest role-playing game, Dungeons & Dragons. I incorporate role-playing concepts and activities into my teaching to foster creativity, develop storytelling skills, and encourage communication between students.
My “Academy of Adventure” series allows students to take on the role of brave warriors and wizards and use their knowledge of language arts to fight monsters and save the day. This is my favorite classroom activity.
Online school requires the development of discipline and self-advocacy. Students who take responsibility for their learning and engage with their teachers and classmates will find the ability to take initiative valuable in all aspects of their life. The teachers at this school are very dedicated to the intellectual and emotional development of their students.
If a student is willing to work hard and engage with their learning, no school offers greater freedom and opportunity than this one.
— Mr. Ethridge
My Personal Interests
In addition to spending time with my family, my greatest passions are soccer (I support Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League), reading (favorite book: East of Eden), listening to music (favorite band: Talking Heads), and crafting elaborate fantasy worlds for my Dungeons & Dragons campaign.