Meet Our Teacher and Academic Advisor: Rhonda Dausman

At Bridgeway Academy, we consider academic advisors–and teachers–to be the unsung heroes of homeschooling. Every day, our advisors and teachers are there to provide support of all kinds to our wonderful students and their families. From enrollment through graduation, Bridgeway’s academic advisors and instructors are there to help during every stage of the homeschool journey.

Our academic advisors and teachers shall remain unsung no more, as every so often we’ll be spotlighting some of these amazing women and men in this blog. In this installment, we’ll meet not an advisor…not a teacher…but an advisor AND teacher–Rhonda Dausman! Learn a little bit more about Rhonda as well as her unique role with Bridgeway!

Bridgeway Academy: Can you share a little bit about your experience or background as a teacher?

Rhonda Dausman: I spent 19 years in the brick-and-mortar schools before leaving when my husband became a pastor.

BA: What brought you to Bridgeway?

RD: God! After the birth of my second child, I was tutoring a student who attended Bridgeway.  His advisor and I got to know each other and she suggested I apply.

BA: What makes Bridgeway special for both teachers and students?

RD: Bridgeway is a very caring and supportive learning and teaching environment for everyone.

BA: Which classes do you teach for Bridgeway, and what do you enjoy most about teaching them?

RD: I teach Social Studies and English classes, but they change from year to year. This year I’m teaching Archaeology and Geography. I LOVE teaching about Geography and History, but I mostly love when that love of the subject is reflected in the student’s learning!

BA: What makes those classes in particular such a great experience for students?

RD: Many of my lessons involve hands-on learning.

BA: What favorite “moment” or memory stands out during your time with Bridgeway?

RD: Watching students I’ve taught for several years graduate!

BA: At the end of the day, what do you hope your students take from your class?

RD: I want students to become lifelong learners. Enjoy the learning for the sake of learning – not just for the content!

BA: Many people–teachers, advisors, students, and parents–express how it feels like they’re all part of a larger Bridgeway “family.” Has your early experience here been similar? If so, how?

RD: Everyone here cares about the people we teach with, attend class with, and work with! We share our concerns and our joys and pray for each other.

BA: How do you think you can make a quick impact on students and families as an advisor?

RD: I like to think of myself as a partner in the children’s education. It goes three ways: parent, student, advisor. We all have their best interests at heart!

BA: What advice, as a teacher, would you give to families who are considering choosing Bridgeway as their homeschool partner?

RD: I have also homeschooled my girls with Bridgeway for the past six years! The flexibility of being able to mix and match the curriculum, presentation, and mastery to my children’s learning styles is one of the best things about attending Bridgeway. You might choose Live Math and textbook English, and that’s perfectly ok!

Our many thanks to Rhonda for taking the time to answer these questions–and a big thanks to all of Bridgeway Academy’s academic advisors and teachers for being there for families and students every step of the way.
Bridgeway Academy offers a high-quality education in a variety of forms–online, textbook, self-paced, live classes, and more–as well as the flexibility you need. Call us today at (800) 863-1474 to learn more and see why so many families trust Bridgeway Academy with their child’s education.