The Educators Who Make Learning Personal at USPA
By USPA Staff and Faculty
Behind every meaningful learning experience is an educator who truly sees their students—not just as learners, but as whole people with goals, challenges, and untapped potential. At USPA, our faculty and staff bring this philosophy to life every day, creating connections that transcend screens and schedules.
We recently invited members of our team to reflect on what inspires them, what teaching has taught them, and what they hope students carry forward. Their answers reveal a shared theme: learning is personal, powerful, and lifelong.
When Online Learning Feels Personal, Even Off the Screen
For Pascale Fitts (Senior Learning Specialist), one of the most surprising and rewarding parts of working at an online school is just how connected those relationships can be.
“While we may be an online school, my students are anything but distant. I adore them and feel deeply connected.”
Pascale has supported students in multiple roles over the years—as both a Learning Coach and a Learning Specialist—and many still remember her from their earliest days at USPA. That continuity has allowed her to witness remarkable personal growth, from shy beginnings to confident, independent learners ready for new challenges.
Meeting students in person, when possible, adds what she calls “a sprinkle of sparkle,” reinforcing that meaningful relationships don’t depend on physical classrooms.
Her advice to students reflects her own journey:
“Never underestimate what you can accomplish when you try something new.”
Image suggestion: Pascale celebrating a personal milestone (graduation or athletic achievement), reinforcing lifelong learning and growth.
Helping Students Build Confidence, Not Just Complete Assignments
Across disciplines, many educators point to the same magical moment: when understanding suddenly clicks.
For Adam Delph (Head Learning Coach) some of the most meaningful moments come when understanding suddenly clicks for a student.
“I love the lightbulb moments—the moment it finally clicks for a student what is being taught. Whether it’s grammar rules, formatting, or a larger academic concept, it’s incredibly rewarding.”
As a Learning Coach, Adam supports students across subjects, helping them build skills they can apply far beyond a single class.
“The most magical part of teaching is when a student takes what they learn and uses it in other courses. Creating lifelong learners—that is what makes this work so meaningful.”
Through guidance, encouragement, and consistency, Adam sees his role as helping students gain confidence in their ability to learn—now and in the future.
Similarly, Regan Masch (Learning Coach) has found joy in helping students see relevance where they didn’t before.
“There is nothing quite like watching a student’s eyes light up when history stops feeling like something that happened and starts feeling like something that matters. In a time when every corner of the globe is more interconnected than ever, understanding history isn’t just interesting, it’s essential. Getting to be the person who helps students see that? I wouldn’t trade it for anything!”
Learning becomes powerful not when students memorize facts, but when they see themselves in the story.
Why Feeling Seen Can Change a Student’s Entire Path
Some of the most impactful teaching moments are quiet ones.
Killeen Partridge (Social Studies Teacher) a veteran teacher, recalls being contacted years later by a former student—simply to say thank you for checking in during a difficult time.
“It’s the little things you don’t realize have an impact that actually impact others more than you thought.”
Killeen’s advice to students is simple:
“Don’t compare yourself to others. Their journey is not your own. You matter. Live from that truth.”
This belief (that students are inherently valuable) runs deep across the USPA faculty.
Personalized Learning That Adapts, Because One Size Never Fits All
For Joyce Estes (Mathematics & Physics Teacher), teaching is about flexibility, encouragement, and meeting students where they are.
“One-size-fits-all learning simply isn’t ideal.”
She treasures one-to-one meetings, where math becomes less intimidating and more human. Watching students overcome challenges—and recognize their own accomplishments—is what motivates her most.
Joyce hopes students leave her classroom feeling:
“Inspired, encouraged, and lighter.”
Her reminder resonates long after class ends:
“Your education is one thing no one can take away from you. Own it.”
Designing Meaningful Moments in an Asynchronous Classroom
In an online environment, educators often plant seeds without immediately seeing the results. Jessica Jacob (Spanish & French Teacher), embraces this challenge by intentionally designing courses that spark “aha” moments.
“Even if I can’t always see those lightbulb moments in real time, knowing my students are making meaningful connections motivates me every day.”
Because student meetings are optional, Jessica sees each one as a choice—and a sign of trust. Her goal is simple but powerful: that students leave feeling valued and confident that their time mattered.
Teaching for the Future, Not Just the Next Grade
For Chris Carmody (Math & Social Science Teacher), teaching isn’t just about academic skill—it’s about character!
“The joy of teaching is the hope that students will use what they learn to grow in wisdom and better the world.”
His advice offers reassurance many students need to hear:
“Your choices help shape your character, but they do not define you. You can always try again.”
The Team Behind the Scenes Supporting Every Student-Athlete
While students often see individual educators per subject, Michelle O’Shea (High School Science Teacher) highlights an important truth:
“Teaching isn’t solitary—it’s collaborative.”
Strong learning communities are built on shared ideas, ongoing dialogue, and a team-wide commitment to supporting students from multiple angles.
“Building relationships helps me understand how each student learns best, so I can support their strengths and help them grow.”
What Student-Athletes Say About the USPA Teachers Who Supported Them
Across every classroom, call, and course design, USPA educators share a common purpose: to support students as whole people—academically, personally, and in pursuit of their goals. That commitment is perhaps best reflected not only in educator reflections, but in the voices of students themselves.
USPA alumni consistently point to the same defining factor in their experience: teachers and staff who believed in them, adapted to their needs, and championed their ambitions.
“USPA enabled me to pursue my hockey career without worrying about missing school and getting behind on assignments. The teachers at USPA supported my academics and my love for hockey—this enabled me to succeed in both.”
— Seth Murch, Hockey, Class of 2023
For students balancing demanding athletic schedules with rigorous academics, flexibility alone isn’t enough. It’s the guidance, encouragement, and intentional support from educators that makes success sustainable.
“USPA was crucial for me in my journey to being signed to a professional soccer team. My teachers and learning coach enabled my studies to be very flexible, yet still rigorous. I am grateful for all the support!”
— Malcolm Fry, Soccer, Class of 2023
That dual commitment of excellence and adaptability is something students feel deeply. It creates an environment where high expectations and genuine care can coexist.
“My favorite part about USPA, besides the amazing flexibility, was definitely the team of incredible staff and teachers who are all so dedicated to supporting students through their academic as well as athletic goals.”
— Coco Curry, Rowing, Class of 2025
Together, these stories echo what educators themselves believe: learning thrives where students are seen, supported, and trusted to grow. Whether preparing for collegiate competition, professional careers, or lifelong learning, students carry forward not just knowledge—but the confidence built by teachers who stood beside them.
That is the shared purpose behind everything we do at USPA. And the legacy our educators help shape every day.
If you want to learn more about our teachers and USPA, we’d love to have you at a Virtual Open House.
