Elementary Teacher of the Year: DeAnna Ingram Builds Strong Foundations and Bright Futures

We’re proud to congratulate DeAnna Ingram on being named K12 Private Academy’s Elementary School Teacher of the Year! As a kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Ingram brings energy, creativity, and heart to every virtual lesson. Her classroom is filled with laughter, curiosity, and moments that remind students—and their parents—why learning should always be joyful. 

Her Path to Teaching 

For Mrs. Ingram, the call to teach began early. 

“I thought my third-grade teacher was the most wonderful person in the whole world, and so I knew I wanted to be a teacher,” she said. “I just love children — watching them learn, watching them grow, and watching them be proud of themselves.” 

When the world shifted to virtual learning in 2020, Mrs. Ingram found herself frustrated with the idea of teaching through a mask.    

“I am very animated whenever I teach,” she said. “I could not imagine trying to teach with a mask on, so I absolutely love teaching virtually for K12 Private Academy. I will never turn back.” 

A Classroom Without Walls 

Mrs. Ingram’s favorite part about K12 Private Academy is the incredible mix of students she teaches each day. 

 “I love that we have children that live on a farm, we have children that live in the snow, and we have children that live at the beach,” she said, “So, I love that all of these experiences come into one classroom. There are many times I’ll say, ‘Oh my goodness, it’s snowing! Run your camera over! And they’ll run out to the window and show us the snow.”  

Seeing all their worlds come together in one classroom is Mrs. Ingrams’ absolute favorite part of teaching virtually.  

Learning That Moves 

For Mrs. Ingram, movement and music are key to keeping young learners engaged. Her class participates in ‘brain breaks,’ where everyone dances and is active to get their wiggles out.  

“I love to bring math into it as well, so we’ll do patterns with our dancing,” she added, “They hear music and just start moving!”  

In addition to teaching core subjects, Mrs. Ingram brings the class to life with fun and curiosity. Recently, she did an experiment involving worms during class, and the students loved it.  

“They were squealing when these little worms were wiggling all over,” she said, “It’s also recorded and I encourage their parents to go buy the worms and let them do this project at home too.” 

A Supportive Learning Environment 

Mrs. Ingram believes emotional connection is the foundation of learning. 

“If they’re feeling confident, if they’re feeling safe, if they know that they are treasured, they’re going to learn because they’re in that supportive environment that allows them to stretch their brains and learn,” she said. 

At K12 Private Academy, that supportive environment extends beyond the screen through the partnership between teachers and parents. 

“The best part about the kindergartner in a virtual classroom is that their learning coach or parent is learning beside them, and they can watch their child grow.” Mrs. Ingram said, “It’s just a collaboration of the teacher and the learning coach, and it’s all to benefit their child’s education.” 

Recognized for Her Impact 

For Mrs. Ingram, receiving the Elementary Teacher of the Year award is an affirmation of everything she loves about her job. 

“It’s refreshing and it’s encouraging to keep doing what I’m doing,” she said, “It affirms that what I’m doing is impacting lives, and that’s why I teach.” 

The love and gratitude from families say it all: 

• “Mrs. Ingram is the best choice for Teacher of the Year because she consistently goes above and beyond to support her students and their families.” – 2025 K12PA Family 

• “My daughter is always excited to go to her classes because she makes learning fun. I can say my child has learned a lot from her and her growth shows.” – 2025 K12PA Family  

• “She fulfills the role of teacher and more! She checks on my student’s progress and goes above and beyond to give me progress reports.” – 2025 K12PA Family  

• “She is truly amazing, patient, and kind! She made my daughter’s transition into homeschool seamless and comfortable. She is thriving because of Mrs. Ingram!” – 2025 K12PA Family  

• “Mrs. Ingram is the teacher that makes my children want to go to class. The way she teaches is very understandable, she’s very patient, and kind. She’s the BEST!” – 2025 K12PA Family  

Congratulations, Mrs. Ingram, for being named K12 Private Academy’s Elementary School Teacher of the Year! 

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