iLEAD AV Exploration Staff Spotlight: Educational Facilitator Michelle Ward

This week, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on one of our inspiring iLEAD AV Exploration Educational Facilitators, Michelle Ward. With a rich background in education and a passion for empowering families, Mrs. Ward plays an integral role in the success of our learners. Let’s take a moment to get to know more about her journey, her role, and what makes her an invaluable part of our community!

Q: Please tell us about your background and how you came to be at iLEAD AV Exploration.

Mrs. Ward: I’ve been a teacher since 2011 and taught junior high, high school, and worked with all students TK-12th grade while subbing. I was looking to go back to work after having my youngest daughter during the pandemic. Many friends said I would love working for iLEAD, and they were right!

Q: What do you LOVE about iLEAD AV Exploration? What sets it apart from other schools?

Mrs. Ward: Working directly with the wonderful families AND my amazing team! There is so much wonderful teamwork and passion for education. What sets iLEAD AV Exploration apart from other schools is the absolute devotion of families and EFs to give their children and learners the best education they can get.

Q: What’s the best part about your role? What’s the biggest challenge? 

Mrs. Ward: The best part about my role is empowering the families to believe that I am not the only educator in our family-and-EF relationship and they can do a great job. I love helping families overcome obstacles to find solutions for the betterment of their children’s education.

Q: There are great social-emotional learning activities/opportunities at iLEAD AV Exploration. Can you share a story about seeing learners using them in action (or yourself)?

Mrs. Ward: When we do Zoom classes together each week, I really enjoy watching the shy learners come out of their shells, begin participating, and start feeling confident when they share or respond.

Q: Please give us a few examples of hands-on project-based learning your learners are involved in.

Mrs. Ward: Currently my learners are working on a model in science to explore the way the Sun and Earth work together to make day and night.

Q: In your opinion, what makes a great leader? How do you teach leadership?

Mrs. Ward: I believe a great leader empowers their team to believe in themselves. They work alongside their team to help ensure success in their endeavors. If your team believes in themselves, they will be more comfortable to become leaders themselves. Leaders typically have other leaders they look up to, and by being a good leader, you teach through your actions and decision-making.

Q: Please name three to five fun/interesting facts about you. Extra credit for lots of details.

Mrs. Ward:

• I am a lover of history!
• I love to visit old gold mining towns with my family, such as Bodie, CA, and Virginia City, NV. I even named my cat Bodie!
• I am also my family’s official family historian, and I have been building our family tree for 17 years. I have tracked our family across the world all the way back to the 1500s!
• I also participate in marketplace events selling skin care products that I create from my home.
• My favorite relaxing activities are cross stitching and reading.

We’re grateful to have Mrs. Ward on our team, helping learners and families thrive every day. Thank you, Mrs. Ward, for all that you do!