Tracey Beckley
It is with great passion that I join the Virtual Preparatory Academy of WV as your Head of School. As a lifelong resident of Marion County, I love the natural beauty of our state and am inspired by faith, family, and the foundation of community. As a first-generation college graduate, I have benefitted greatly from my educational experiences, and I believe in the transformational value of K12 education. My husband and I live in Fairmont with our twin boys and several furry friends. It’s likely that you may see us out hiking at a state park or cheering at a local sporting event. My favorite point to ponder is attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt as a reminder that, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Education:
Tarra Shields
I am honored to be the Principal of Virtual Preparatory Academy of WV. We have an excellent program that supports the learning and creativity of our students. As educators, we can tremendously impact our students. Through positive connections, we can encourage them to reach their full potential. I enjoy watching our students continue to grow and develop into critical thinkers and the future leaders of our society.
I was born and raised in West Virginia and truly appreciate our culture and people. The comradery that West Virginians extend to each other is second to none. There is no greater feeling than traveling outside the state, hearing Take Me Home Country Roads, and watching everyone join and sing along. I enjoy spending time outdoors and with my family in my free time. We like to boat, kayak, hike, and spend time on the ski slopes.
Certifications
Education
Christina Rollins
I am delighted to be part of the Virtual Prep Academy of WV as Vice Principal. I am honored to work with an excellent team of educators dedicated to creating a dynamic learning culture. I will use my role to collaborate with teachers, students, and parents to ensure students receive rigorous and quality instruction while keeping them engaged and to create the best virtual teaching and learning environment. I will focus on encouraging engagement, critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management while putting responsibility on the students to take advantage of these opportunities. I am a lifelong resident of West Virginia. Outside school, I enjoy spending time with my family and dogs, traveling, and outdoor activities. I have four sons, two grandsons, and four granddaughters. I spend most of my free time riding horses, playing golf, trout fishing, and gardening.
Education, Honors, and Certifications: 28 YEARS
Diana Mitzel
I am the Operations Manager for the Virtual Preparatory Academy of West Virginia. I received my bachelor’s degree in human services from Bluefield College. I am completing my Master of Education in Student Affairs from Liberty University. I have several years of experience in program and operational management within educational settings. I have served as a youth and young adult leader within my community for over 20 years. I have lived in the Shenandoah Valley, neighboring the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, for over 15 years.
Dennis Craig
I am the Student Services Coordinator for Virtual Prep Academy of WV. I am a 15-year teaching veteran, 12 of those years teaching full-time in an online environment. I am a West Virginia Wesleyan College graduate in Buckhannon, WV, living in Parkersburg, WV, with my amazing wife and four children.
Sarah Britcher
I am the Special Education Coordinator for Virtual Preparatory Academy of West Virginia. I have received my Bachelor of Education and Master of Education degrees from Fairmont State University. My 13 years of education experience has included being a special education classroom teacher, special education team leader, and site coordinator for federally funded after-school programs. I was born and raised in West Virginia and currently reside in Bridgeport. I love to travel, am very involved at my church, and love spending time at my family’s beach home on Pawley’s Island. I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in second grade, and I am proud to be an educator in West Virginia. We have an outstanding special education department of fully certified teachers. I am honored to serve your children this year.
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