Trust the Expertise of Arkansas' Best Teachers

ARVA's teachers are among the best in the state for distance learning. And they're a big part of why we're the top-scoring virtual school in Arkansas. They consider themselves your partners in your children's education and are available every school day to help you and your children through any challenges you may face. Here are just a few of the regular education and special education teachers you'll get to know at Arkansas Virtual Academy.

Renee Bissell is a graduate of Ohio University.  In addition to her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, she holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from Harding University.  Her educational work experiences have been varied, including roles such as special education teacher for both children and adults, to manager of a birth-to-five hospital therapy program.  Ms. Bissell is currently in her 2nd year with the Arkansas Virtual Academy, and serves as the 6th grade math coach and 6th grade teacher.  

Leah Childress graduated from Southern Arkansas University with a BSE in secondary education.  After receiving her Master’s degree from the University of Arkansas, Ms. Childress spent much of the following ten years working in biological research at the University of Arkansas while taking courses toward her Ph.D.  Ms. Childress, then, spent ten years teaching high school science including A.P. Biology, Chemistry and Zoology.  She is currently in her second year of teaching at Arkansas Virtual Academy.  Additionally, Ms. Childress recently completed requirements for her 5th and 6th grade Science Endorsement.  Her two children have been ARVA students for the past three years.  Leah served within the virtual math coaching team during the 2009-2010 school-year, and she will be teaching many of our 7th grade and 8th grade students within the general education capacity during the 2010-2011 school-year.

Hollie Gumm is a graduate of John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas.  She is currently in her second year as a virtual math coach, and she also serves as a learning coach for four of her five children enrolled in Arkansas Virtual Academy.  After receiving her teacher certification from University of Phoenix, she taught high school science and math at Gateway Community Charter School.  Ms. Gumm then began teaching Gifted Science and Chemistry at Centennial High School in Peoria, AZ.  In 2002 she and her family relocated to Arkansas.  Hollie loves math and science, and she is excited to work with our 7th and 8th grade families as virtual math coach during the 2010-2011 school-year.  Additionally, Hollie will be leading efforts to create school-wide parent involvement opportunities and parent trainings specific to math.

Amy Jett is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.  Before entering the field of education, she worked in the accounting and software development fields.  In 2005, Ms. Jett completed the Arkansas Non-traditional Licensure Program and became a second grade classroom teacher within the Little Rock School District where she taught second grade for two years and third grade for two years.  Ms. Jett is currently in her second year teaching at Arkansas Virtual Academy.  Amy is currently working towards the completion of a Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at Arkansas State University.  Amy will be teaching our 2nd grade students during the 2010-2011 school-year. 

Beth Moore is a graduate of Texas A&M University.  Ms. Moore has taught kindergarten, 2nd grade, and 3rd grade students in previous teaching positions, and she is in her second year of teaching at Arkansas Virtual Academy.  Ms. Moore has also served as a home-school learning coach for her own children.  Of the five years that Ms. Moore served as a learning coach within her home, nearly two years have been with Arkansas Virtual Academy.  Beth is passionate about each child feeling successful in their journey to become lifelong learners, explorers, and adventurers.  Beth will be teaching our kindergarten students during the 2010-2011 school-year.  Additionally, she has agreed to assume duties as Parent Involvement Coordinator. 

Gina Moore is a graduate of Angelo State University in Texas.  Prior to completing her collegiate study, Ms. Moore traveled the world with her husband and oldest daughter.  Ms. Moore taught second grade and kindergarten in central Arkansas for several years before joining the Arkansas Virtual Academy team where she is currently in her second year of teaching.  Gina took a break from traditional teaching to raise her two young children at home.  During that time she also opened an in-home preschool while creating an educational, early childhood-based website.  She is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Reading from the University of Central Arkansas.  Gina is excited to be beginning her second year as the fifth grade teacher and learning coach for her two children enrolled in ARVA.

Tracy Ragen is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.  Ms. Ragen also holds additional licensure in the areas of Business Technology and for Middle School grades seven and eight.  Prior to teaching, Ms. Ragen worked in both the public and private technology sector holding positions with the U.S. Postal service, Deloitte and Touche accounting firm, Dillards Inc. technical support team, and has over ten years in banking services.  Ms. Ragen has been a teacher with the Arkansas Virtual Academy for seven years serving several grades.  Tracy’s daughter has been a student in ARVA for three years.  Tracy was recently named Administrative Associate on a part-time basis with ARVA and will continue to serve 6th and 7th graders in a part-time general education role. 

Desiree’ Rutter is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas. Ms. Rutter served as a virtual math coach at Arkansas Virtual Academy during the 2009-2010 school-year, and she has served as a learning coach for her two children who have both been students within ARVA.  She has recently accepted a part-time role with ARVA as a special education teacher and is certified to serve students in all grades.  Additionally, Desiree will continue working with teachers, parents, and students in the area of math and parental involvement during the 2010-2011 school-year. 

Heather Stewart is a graduate of Harding University.  She received her Master’s of Education in the area of Reading, while her undergraduate degree is Special Education.  Ms. Stewart taught for eight years in the traditional public school environment working with students from kindergarten through ninth grade with special needs ranging from mild to severe.  She coordinates Special Services provided to students and plays a key role in our standardized testing efforts. Heather began working at Arkansas Virtual Academy in February of 2010 and is excited about another year working with her colleagues and ARVA families. 

Ginger Weaver is a graduate of Auburn University.  Ms. Weaver taught for five years as a Kindergarten, first and third grade teacher in Alabama before moving to Little Rock.  She is currently in her sixth year of teaching at Arkansas Virtual Academy as kindergarten and first grade teacher. Before joining the Arkansas Virtual Academy team, Ginger worked for K¹² serving as SES Director in Little Rock.  Ginger will be teaching our 1st grade students during the 2010-2011 school-year. 

Kelley Williams is a graduate the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.  Ms. Williams is currently in her 8th year teaching at Arkansas Virtual Academy.  She has worked with our 4th grade students for six of the eight years that she has been with the school.  Ms. Williams, along with Ms. Ragen, will be leading our efforts this year to continue to develop the best means through which we provide students feedback on their written work.  Kelley has a particular passion for teaching math and writing, and feels strongly that learning must be fun for students. 

Tammy Williams graduated from the University of Arkansas with a BSE in Elementary Education and Special Education. Ms. Williams spent seven years teaching first and second grades at Clinton Elementary prior to coming to ARVA in 2008. She has lived in Arkansas her entire life. Tammy is currently in her third year teaching the third grade students of Arkansas Virtual Academy. She has a love for reading and has a passion to share this love with all her students. Tammy strongly believes that a parent is a child’s best teacher and she and her husband are currently serving in this role for their two daughters.