Trust the Expertise of Arizona's Best Teachers

AZVA'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 Arizona. 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 some of the many highly qualified regular education, special education, and high school teachers you'll get to know at Arizona Virtual Academy.

Dolly Fernandes joined the AZVA team in December, 2010. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Education in Secondary Education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and is currently working toward a Doctorate of Education in Educational Technology. Dolly has also completed post-baccalaureate programs in cross-categorical Special Education teacher certification and Educational Leadership. She has taught regular and special education at the middle and high school level; Sociology at the undergraduate level; and training programs at the professional level. Dolly is currently the Lead Master Teacher in Special Education and is excited to be working with the wonderful students, families, and staff that are AZVA.

Kimberly Jaramillo joined the AZVA team in October, 2008. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Washburn University. Kimberly completed a post-baccalaureate Elementary Education teacher certification program through Arizona State University. She has eight years of teaching experience. Currently, Kimberly is a Lead Teacher and is working with 4th-grade Language Arts students. She is thrilled to be a part of the AZVA family and looks forward to helping her students be successful. 

Tina Littell has a Bachelor's Degree in Business from Arizona State University and earned a post-Baccalaureate degree in Education after 10 years experience in the management industry. She taught in the Chandler Unified School District before coming to Arizona Virtual Academy for the 2006-2007 school year. Tina has worked on several contracted writing and editing assignments, including a teacher's guide for the popular "Southwestern Tales of Tomas the Tortoise" and the state history curriculum for Nevada. At Arizona Virtual Academy, Tina has taught grades K-8, specializing n K-2 writing and phonics, and is now focusing efforts in middle school as a Lead Master Teacher for grades 6-8.

Amy Tregaskes is an Arizona highly qualified secondary math teacher. She graduated with a BS in mathematics education from Northern Arizona University. She has taught in both the high school and community college settings. Amy comes to AZVA with 14 years of teaching experience. As she puts it, it's not that she loves math as much as she loves to teach math. Amy believes that everyone can learn math; it is just a matter of finding the right tools.

Sharla Wiatt taught second grade in the Chandler Unified School District for 11 years. She graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University with a bachelor's degree in education, and she has an Early Childhood Endorsement. Sharla then received a Master of Education degree from Northern Arizona University. She has been involved with tutoring students in reading and has guided students in the Read Natural Program to strengthen their reading fluency. While teaching, Sharla has learned how important it is to partner with parents to help each child succeed and get the most out of learning. She believes that when learning is fun and challenging, kids get excited about it and excel. She is excited to partner with parents at Arizona Virtual Academy to help each child have a successful and enjoyable learning experience.

Kimberly Young joined AZVA in the Fall of 2006. She came to AZVA as a seasoned K-8 teacher from the Glendale Elementary School District. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Education from Arizona State University West and her Master's degree from Northern Arizona University. Kimberly has served AZVA as a K-8 teacher, a Lead teacher, and is currently a Lead Master Teacher in the K-5 program. She has also had the personal joy of being a Learning Coach for one of her own children with AZVA. She brings to her current position, as a K-5 Lead Master Teacher, a passion for children's learning and great deal of AZVA experience.

Julia Zoutendyk has been with AZVA since January 2006 and is currently the Intake Coordinator. Helping brand-new families get off to a good start is her area of expertise, and she loves giving them the tools they need to be successful with AZVA. Julia holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Prescott College. She is currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership at Capella University.