Meet our 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, special education, and high school teachers you'll get to know at Arkansas Virtual Academy.

Mitzi Bingaman graduated from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, with a BSE. in secondary education. She is in her second year with ARVA and has one child of her own in the program. Prior to joining the ARVA team, she taught language arts and social studies in the brick-and-mortar environment for four years where she taught Advanced Placement language and literature courses, middle school writing classes, and other courses. She also has experience teaching math to adult students at a technical institute.

Patsy Carter received her BSE in elementary education with an emphasis in science from Southern Arkansas University, and her master's degree in reading from Harding University. She has taught for more than six years in grades ranging from three to seven. This is Patsy’s first year with the Arkansas Virtual Academy. Before becoming a teacher she worked at the corporate offices of Tyson Foods, Inc. in Springdale, Arkansas for fifteen years. Patsy’s favorite subject both in and out of school is reading, and she is always happy to suggest books and authors for students to read.

Crystal Dillard graduated with honors from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education, grades 1-8. While in college, Crystal worked as an early childcare teacher, and as a substitute teacher for a variety of public schools. Since then, she has taught grades five through eight. Her teaching experience includes Riser Middle School and Woodlawn Elementary, both of West Monroe, LA. Since moving to Arkansas, Crystal has worked in the health insurance and education fields. This is her first year at Arkansas Virtual Academy.

Rebecca Griscom is a Title 1 math teacher in her second year with ARVA. She works with students in grades 1-4 to remediate and develop math skills by focusing on individual needs, and provides support for a group of ARVA students and their learning coaches. Rebecca graduated from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, with a BSE in elementary education. She taught elementary at Lincoln Schools for four years, and has experience working with children in special education.

Lesli Lucy earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education/elementary education from the University of Central Arkansas. Her teaching career began at Bates Elementary in the Pulaski County Special School District, where she taught second grade, and she subsequently taught third grade at East End Elementary in the Sheridan School District. She then moved into advertising with Cap Media in Little Rock where she worked in the National Accounts Department and later with Client Services. Lesli is currently in her seventh year as a teacher with ARVA serving as lead teacher and fifth grade teacher.

Tracy Ragen has been a teacher with the Arkansas Virtual Academy for six years. She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a BS in elementary education. Tracy also holds additional licensure in business technology and middle school for grades seven and eight. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in online education. Tracy has served as a volunteer tutor for the Open Arms Shelter in Lonoke County, a temporary home for displaced youth.

Tara Richardson, Special Education Teacher/Coordinator, received her undergraduate degree in elementary education and English from Centre College, and her master's degree in early childhood special education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She has taught special education for more than 11 years in various schools and private facilities. Most recently, she worked as the Director of Outpatient Therapy at Easter Seals Arkansas. This is Tara’s second year with the Arkansas Virtual Academy.

Kellie Rine graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in special education and elementary education and a Master of Education degree in early childhood special education from Harding University. She is currently working toward a Master of Science degree in communication disorders at Nova Southeastern University. Kellie’s teaching experience began at Harding Academy Early Learning Center, where she taught pre-kindergarten. She then moved to Tennessee and taught early childhood special education in the homes of children up to three years old. Most recently, Kellie taught early childhood special education through the Wilbur D. Mills Educational Service Cooperative in Beebe, AR. This is her first year at Arkansas Virtual Academy, where she teaches kindergarten and special education.

Julie Roark received her undergraduate degree in elementary education and early childhood education from Ouachita Baptist University and her Master of Education degree in reading from Harding University. She earned National Board Certification in the area of Literacy: English and Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood in 2004. Julie has taught kindergarten through sixth grade in Arkansas and Texas over the last 12 years. She is a certified literacy specialist and has most recently served as literacy coach at Westside Elementary in Jonesboro. This is her second year at ARVA, and this year she serves as the second grade teacher.

Ginger Weaver earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education/elementary education Auburn University in Alabama. Mrs. Weaver’s teaching career began in Alabama teaching kindergarten, first, and third grades. After a break from teaching, Ginger moved back into education, working for K12 serving as SES director in Little Rock. She is currently in her fourth year as a first-grade teacher with ARVA.

Kelley Williams, currently in her sixth year with ARVA , is the fourth-grade teacher. A lifelong resident of Saline County, Ms. Williams serves on the wellness, professional development and science committees.

Tammy Williams is in her first year as a third grade teacher with the Arkansas Virtual Academy. She attended the University of Central Arkansas, where she graduated with a BSE in elementary and special education. Tammy previously taught first and second grades at Clinton Elementary from 2001-2008.