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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What Our Community Has to Say
I 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.
DianaParentI am a mother of two children and a lifelong learner. VHS provides me with a platform where I can freely control my time to study. There are experienced and responsible teachers, as well as a humanized service team.
AngelMature StudentThis school is excellent and I would 100% recommend. This is also a great way for people to get an OSSD diploma even if not located in Ontario or Canada.
YoavStudentIf it were not for the help and willingness of her teacher to grade the assignments quickly, the offer (to University) was going to be cancelled ... From registration to completion, the process was seamless. I was extremely satisfied and happy with Virtual High School, and suggest checking it out for your kids!
WendyParentLooking 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.
FrédériqueStudentLearn wherever you are! That's the best part.
JosephStudentVHS has prepared me for university, as it has guided me well on how to organize my own schedule. Not only has VHS taught me a lot, but it has also been an extremely fun schooling experience. I actually look forward to start my day with school.
MarcoStudentLearning with VHS is great but my favourite thing about it is actually all of the activities organized for students outside of academics. Things like interesting (virtual) field trips, guest speakers, trivia games, giveaways, book club, etc. make the virtual high school experience interesting!
KarminaStudentMy 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 fact that I can get up every day and feel confident in my schoolwork and supported by my teachers is a great feeling.
SeraStudentI 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.
DianaParentI am a mother of two children and a lifelong learner. VHS provides me with a platform where I can freely control my time to study. There are experienced and responsible teachers, as well as a humanized service team.
AngelMature StudentThis school is excellent and I would 100% recommend. This is also a great way for people to get an OSSD diploma even if not located in Ontario or Canada.
YoavStudentIf it were not for the help and willingness of her teacher to grade the assignments quickly, the offer (to University) was going to be cancelled ... From registration to completion, the process was seamless. I was extremely satisfied and happy with Virtual High School, and suggest checking it out for your kids!
WendyParent