OMAHA VIRTUAL SCHOOL - Key Persons
Derrick received an associate's degree in communications applications in 1995 and a bachelor's in economics from University of Nebraska Omaha, both during his 8 years in the USAF. In 2006 he earned a bachelor's in secondary education with endorsements in social sciences and history from Peru St College. Currently he is enrolled in a Computer Science Education master's program. He has spent the last 14 years teaching grades k-11 in multiple subjects from literature to PE. He loves to work one to one with families in an innovative program to help their students be successful.
Mrs. Harmon received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education at Mount Marty College in South Dakota. She taught three years in South Dakota before making her way to OPS, where she has taught for the last four years. In the fall, she will have taught every grade level 1st-5th. She and her husband spend their days chasing after their young son.
Jill received her bachelor's in secondary education with an endorsement in mathematics from the University of Omaha in 1996 and a master's in secondary education, with an emphasis in instructional technology, in 2003. In 2017, she received an endorsement as a reading specialist for grades K-12. She has spent time over the last 20 years teaching math in the Westside school district and, more recently, served as a Program Coordinator of reading for Boys Town Schools. "I am thankful for the opportunity to work with the students, parents, and staff here at OVS. It is filled with people who are willing to learn new things together. Each school year, I see growth in learners, learning coaches and myself! What a great way to teach and carry on the concept of lifelong learning!"
Jodi Taylor uses the pronouns she/her. Jodi earned her B.A. degree in Theatre from the University of Southern California (USC) and her Master of Arts in Teaching from USC. She is a proud OPS grad and has taught 6th and 7th grade ELA, Speech and Drama in the district. She is a Certified Microsoft Innovate Educator and a Minecraft for Education Global Mentor. Jodi's pedagogical stance is rooted in Critical Thinking, Social Emotional Learning, Multiple Literacy Strategies, Collaboration and Metacognition. Jodi is a passionate advocate for her students and is a dedicated, goal-oriented educator. Although she is a teacher by profession, she is a lifelong learner. Jodi encourages and inspires her students to embrace the learning process through reflection and laughter.
Mrs. Cyr joins OVS this year after spending 7 years at Davis Middle School teaching Social Studies and Reading. Prior to that Mrs. Cyr taught at English/Language Arts at McMillan Middle School. Mrs. Cyr received her Bachelor's degree in History with a minor in Political Science and her Master's degree in History from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She then completed her Master's degree in Teaching at the College of St. Mary's. Being a life-long learner and adventurer, Mrs. Cyr cannot wait to work with the students of the OVS and tackle high school History!!
Dr. Francis-Thomasjoined the OVS team in the 2020-21 school year. He received his Bachelor's in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Concordia College Selma in 2006, his High School Mathematics Endorsement in 2008, his Master's in Educational Administration in 2012, and his Doctorate in Educational Administration in 2015 from UNL. He has taught with Omaha Public Schools, Lincoln Public Schools, Selma City Schools, and Freeport Public Schools for over 10 years. Kyle has taught Math at Benson High School and Mercy High School. He has always had a passion for teaching young people and helping them find their own purpose in life. He also has over 5 years experience teaching with online math programs.
Mr. Dowling graduated from Iowa State University in 2002. He began teaching 3rd grade for Omaha Public Schools Spring Lake Magnet Center in 2002. In 2007, he became the Technology Specialist at Spring Lake and held that position until 2016 when he joined OVS. He and his wife are both teachers with Omaha Public schools and they have 4 children in OPS.
Ms. Rogers has been working in the Omaha Public School District for 16 years. She taught 2nd and 3rd grade for 7 years and then was an instructional facilitator for 6 years. Ms. Rogers has been with the Omaha Virtual School teaching Kindergarten and 1st grade since the opening of our program. Throughout her educational career, she has earned Masters degrees in Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Leadership. Most recently she completed an endorsement in Instructional Technology Leadership. "I am proud to be a part of the Omaha Virtual School and the unique experience that supports personalized learning for all. I love working as a team with our learners, learning coaches, and families to do what is best for learners."
Miss Smith graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2015. She received her bachelor's degree in elementary education. She taught first grade for one year and second grade for five. She is thrilled for the opportunity to teach at OVS as well as to work to build relationships with students, families, and staff! Miss Smith enjoys spending time with her family, going to the movies, and drinking Starbucks!
Mrs. Felten received her bachelor's in elementary education with an endorsement in middle grades language arts and science from Doane University in 2010 and a master's in curriculum and instruction in 2012. In 2014, she received an endorsement in English Language Learning (ELL). She has taught with Omaha Public Schools for the last 10 years teaching English, Social Studies, and Science at the middle school level. She has been with Omaha Virtual School since the first year it opened. Her favorite part of OVS is building relationships with her colleagues, learning coaches, and learners.
We are excited to introduce, Mr. Peter Conn to our school community. Peter will serve as our school secretary. He comes to us with secretary experience in the district. Previously, he was the registrar/data processor at Nathan Hale Middle School in OPS for 11 years. This was Peter's first week and he has already been supportive to our families and staff. We are excited to have him on board! This means, we have someone to answer our phones!! Please, call us if you need anything and Peter will be there. He is full-time and will be on duty from 7:30am-4pm, daily.
Mrs. Shannon Barry has taught art with Omaha Public Schools since 2009. During this time she has taught a variety of age levels. Mrs. Barry is with Omaha Virtual School every morning and teaches art at a brick and mortar elementary school every afternoon. Mrs. Barry is a tech leader in the district and is always up for a new challenge. Mrs. Barry loves facilitating new art experiences and explorations with OVS learners at all levels.
Sarah graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 2004 from Wayne State College. She began teaching 5th grade at Belvedere Elementary in OPS. While at Belvedere, she earned a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Doane University and an English as a Second Language Endorsement from Concordia University. After that, she taught ESL at Gilder Elementary before becoming an Instructional Facilitator/Academic Data Representative at Spring Lake Magnet in 2012. While at Spring Lake, she earned a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership with an Elementary Principal Endorsement from Doane. In 2014, she left teaching to be a stay at home mom. "When the opportunity to teach at such a forward-thinking school came up, I couldn't pass it up! I loved my time as a stay at home mom, but I couldn't stay away from teaching for too long! I'm excited to be a part of this team!
Mr. Gamble received his bachelor's in elementary education from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 1995 and a master's in elementary education in 2003. In 2015, he received a master's of arts in teaching middle school mathematics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He has taught with Omaha Public Schools for over 20 years. Tom has taught at Indian Hill Elementary in 4th and 6th grades and in technology roles as well as 6th grade at Wilson Focus School. He has always had a love of teaching and integrating new and innovative methods with children. " I look forward to every day learning something new from our learners and sharing the knowledge I have with them."
Dr. Loewenstein is a passionate educator who strives for the personalization of learning for all students. As OVS principal, she is responsible for the curriculum, instruction, and assessment of staff and students. She is excited to build relationships in the Omaha metro area with OVS students and stakeholders, as Omaha Public Schools develops the first K-8th virtual school in the state! Dr. Loewenstein joined Omaha Public Schools in 2016 as an instructional technology trainer. In this role, she facilitated the Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) program for the district and worked closely on technology integration initiatives with executive directors, building principals, and curriculum specialists. e-mail: wendy.loewenstein@ops.org phone: 531.299.9618