Alternative Placements at VHS: Derek Sharpe
June 3, 2019
Derek Sharpe, an economics and social science teacher candidate at Western University, recently completed his alternative placement at Virtual High School. This placement was the final step in his Bachelor of Education program, which he will graduate from to become a certified teacher in June.
Derek first became interested in Virtual High School when he visited Bayfield many summers ago. Derek’s family has a cottage in Grand Bend and enjoys coming to Bayfield for day trips. Walking past the VHS building, Derek often wondered how our school operated and decided to learn more about how we write and develop courses.
Derek made the decision to complete his alternative placement at VHS because he wanted experience beyond working in a traditional bricks-and-mortar school. Derek felt that it was important to balance his school and classroom experiences with other potential career opportunities in the online education sphere.
During his placement at VHS, Derek spent the majority of his time assisting the content development team with the development of a new business course. Derek was responsible for adding engagement activities throughout lessons, offering suggestions and feedback on content, and creating content for an Information and Communication Technology lesson. Derek even had the opportunity to write the script for an animated concept video about supply and demand.
“I noticed a very friendly and welcoming environment as soon as I walked in the door the first day. Everyone was very helpful and always checked in with me to see how I was doing. I enjoyed the flexible schedule, the open-concept working environment, and opportunities for walking breaks throughout the day,” said Derek of his experience working at VHS during his alternative placement.
Derek is looking forward to a career as a teacher in a bricks-and-mortar school. Through his experience at VHS, he is now also open to other potential career paths, such as teaching in an online environment or becoming a content developer/writer.
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Looking back, the quality of the content and the resources that this virtual school provides has been massively useful in my studies. They are an amazing example of a very rigorous online school with dedicated staff.
FrédériqueStudentThe fact that I can get up every day and feel confident in my schoolwork and supported by my teachers is a great feeling.
SeraStudentSchool is very important to me, and even if sometimes I’d rather be doing something other than school, VHS makes it interesting and easy to learn.
Jean-PhilippeStudentGood quality of instruction? Passionate and knowledgeable teachers? Effective communication and constructive feedback? An overwhelming YES to all of the above! Every year, we have been impressed with the teachers at Virtual High School.
RosanneParentEvery person that I have ever communicated with at VHS, be it the teachers or administrative staff, has always been kind and super helpful in answering any questions that I have, making me feel like they care about me and my well-being.
CassidyStudentI have used 3 separate online schools for my Grade 12 courses and the course I took at VHS was the one I enjoyed the most.
LaurenStudentThey have the most amazing staff and teachers, and everything is so well organized!! You can tell they want you to succeed at whatever you're doing.
GraceStudentMy son [has been] with VHS for the last 2 years as he spends lots of time traveling for golf tournaments, and they are the best you can find! Really well made with great contents and my son loves it! Such a nice way to combine his school and his passion for his sports! Thanks VHS!
EricParentThe most impressive point about the school is its support system … I feel they are willing to listen to and solve students' problems carefully and responsibly.
MunjungParentI have my daughter enrolled at VHS and it is great to see her have the best of both worlds, completing courses at her own pace without compromising the teacher support she would have at an in person school.
DianaParentLooking back, the quality of the content and the resources that this virtual school provides has been massively useful in my studies. They are an amazing example of a very rigorous online school with dedicated staff.
FrédériqueStudentThe fact that I can get up every day and feel confident in my schoolwork and supported by my teachers is a great feeling.
SeraStudentSchool is very important to me, and even if sometimes I’d rather be doing something other than school, VHS makes it interesting and easy to learn.
Jean-PhilippeStudentGood quality of instruction? Passionate and knowledgeable teachers? Effective communication and constructive feedback? An overwhelming YES to all of the above! Every year, we have been impressed with the teachers at Virtual High School.
RosanneParent