If you’re a student, parent, or professional in the field of education you know first-hand how schools have quickly made changes in an attempt to protect students, teachers, and faculty from the Covid-19 virus. In academic settings, one of the most significant changes brought on by the virus is students learning virtually and outside of the traditional classroom. This reality has pushed The Redeemer’s School (TRS) to make great strides in a short period of time. Technology’s function and use at TRS has seemingly increased ten-fold since the onset of the pandemic. 

The implementation of a virtual learning program is one of several hurdles The Redeemer’s School has had to climb in the midst of Covid. TRS Innovative Learning Strategist, Mrs. Leanna Range-Norwood has done a magnificent job leading the school’s virtual effort. Mrs. Range-Norwood says,

“The goal of the virtual program at The Redeemer's School is to provide a high-quality educational experience for students who are unable to attend school during this pandemic. We have expanded the staffing for the program to include 5-day engagement with students. Students who have chosen the virtual learning model also have Art, Computer/STEM, and P.E. Chromebooks have been made available with up-to-date software designed to allow the students to enjoy a more synchronous experience.”

Since the start of the 2020-21 school year, the majority of TRS educators have become “Google Educator, Level 1 Certified.”  While each TRS teacher has been responsible for teaching virtually during Covid, the Lord has blessed us with Mrs. Shirlene Phillips (former K-4 Teacher) and Mrs. Gabriella Newcomb (new to the TRS family), who work specifically with those students who are learning virtually. We are privileged to have such talented women serving in these extremely vital roles. Below, we’ve asked Mrs. Phillips and Mrs. Newcomb a few questions to help you get to know them better and learn more about how they are using their skills to teach TRS students in the digital domain. 

1) What's Your Name and Job Title? My name is Shirlene Phillips and I'm presently a Virtual Support Teacher for grades Pre-K through 2nd grade.

2) What's Your Story? (Tell Us About Yourself) I have been blessed to be married for forty years. We have three awesome sons and one daughter-in-law. My background in education includes homeschooling for nine years, substitute teaching, and tutoring. I obtained my teacher certification through the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS). I love to garden, sew, watch movies, and thrift shop!

3) Why do you choose to serve at The Redeemer's School? I am a member of the Redeemer Church. When I first heard that our pastor had big dreams of starting a Christian school in the neighborhood I understood why and supported the idea. Children need to be able to learn about Jesus daily while also getting a great education. God opened the door for me to be at TRS. When I needed a job I prayed for the Lord to open a door. I told Him that I would go through whatever door He opened. To my surprise, I was offered the Pre-K teacher position although I had applied for a completely different role.

4) What is Your Role as a Virtual Instructor?  I'm responsible for teaching the virtual  Pre-K through 2nd graders the concepts and procedures that are being taught to the in-person students. The steps necessary for me to do that include reviewing/familiarizing myself with each lesson, preparing lesson plans, finding other resources that support the lessons (videos, worksheets, songs, etc.), and teaching the lessons.

5) What is it Like Teaching Virtually During Covid?  There is so much to learn in this area. So often technology doesn't work as you would expect it to. Teaching virtually thus far has been very stressful for me. I am looking forward to getting more relaxed as I learn more and as all the kinks are worked out. I feel I am contributing to the students learning but not to the degree I would like for all of them. I love seeing the smiling faces of the students as they interact with me and other students. I love to see the excitement in their faces when information clicks.

6) What's Your Hope For Your Students? My hope for my students is that they will not fall behind in their learning. I hope that they know and believe in themselves so much that they know that they can learn and progress no matter the location. I hope that when they are able to return to in-person school, that they have not lost a beat and will feel very comfortable returning. 

1) What's Your Name and Job Title? Gabriella Newcomb, Virtual Instructor

2) What's Your Story? (Tell Us About Yourself) Gabriella is originally from Houston, Texas, and currently lives in Jackson, Mississippi, with her husband and two-year-old son. She loves being a teacher. She has a degree in Music Education from Belhaven University and is currently working on her MA in Biblical and Theological Studies, also from Belhaven. Her hobbies include being with friends, baking, gardening, playing musical instruments, and decorating her home. Her love of adventure has taken her to several different countries including Thailand, Germany, France, Mexico, and England. She is excited about working with The Redeemer's School. 

3) Why do you choose to serve at The Redeemer's School? I am at the Redeemer's School  because I am passionate about the mission and vision of this school.

4) What is Your Role as a Virtual Instructor?  I operate a pseudo control center :) I teach kids online while pulling up different resources (videos, textbooks, drills, etc.) so that they can see my process. I contact parents if need be, answer any questions they (or the students) might have, and record my experiences in a professional journal. From time to time, I act as goofy as possible just to make sure the kids are paying attention.

5) What is it Like Teaching Virtually During Covid?  Difficult. Definitely involves some creative thought processing and problem solving. But it has been equally rewarding.

6) What's Your Hope For Your Students? My hope for my students is that they will see Jesus in me; that they will be inspired to worship him through their diligence in their schooling., and that they will learn and succeed, despite the pandemic.

Mrs. Phillips and Mrs. Newcomb, we are so very grateful for your service and for giving it your absolute best as we navigate the new and very important reality of teaching students virtually. The work you’re doing is helping keep our students on the path toward success!