Government and Economics Teacher Moves from Brick and Mortar to Online

By Leslie Cranford, section manager

When Sarah Turner was teaching in a traditional school setting, one of the counselors helped Sarah’s seniors obtain credits by exam (CBEs) through an online school. That school was Texas Tech K-12. That was her introduction to the school, and she was intrigued.

Teaching in public school since 1999, Sarah had been planning to leave eventually to homeschool her own children. Knowing that, she looked into Texas Tech K-12; she applied and was hired for a substitute teaching position five years ago.

Sarah holds a bachelor's degree from East Texas Baptist University and a master's from the University of Texas at Tyler. She and her husband enjoy homeschooling their three youngest children, gardening and participating in church activities.

Sarah co-teaches U.S. Government Hybrid and Economics Hybrid to students in Brazil with an onsite counterpart. She teaches Economics and U.S. History as well as CBEs in World Geography and World History. Along with those subjects, she also has taught AP Macroeconomics in public school and an accelerated economics course in her homeschool co-op.

The belief that all students can learn guides Sarah’s teaching philosophy.

“Not everyone learns the same way, but everyone can learn,” Sarah says. “Building relationships with students in order to find what helps them learn is essential.”

But Sarah acknowledges not being able to see students face to face is a challenge. She’s glad Texas Tech K-12 offers ample opportunities to make connections through emails, messages, feedback on assignments and office hours. She loves seeing students connect with the material and enjoy learning.

“Teaching economics has been the most rewarding,” she adds. “Personal finance education is an essential part of life, and many students see how the material will benefit them in the future.”

Knowing students can get bogged down, she eagerly offers them her best – and hopefully most helpful – advice.

“Keep going,” Sarah says emphatically. “Learning is rewarding, and you never know how what you learn will impact your future.”