Middle School Teacher of the Year: Eric Olderstein Inspires Students to Take Ownership of Their Learning

We’re proud to congratulate Eric Olderstein on being named K12 Private Academy’s Middle School Teacher of the Year! 

Mr. Olderstein, an 8th-grade science teacher, brings creativity, humor, and heart to the online classroom. He loves how virtual learning gives students independence—and how it allows him to teach in ways that feel meaningful and sustainable. 

His Path to K12 

Mr. Olderstein originally started as a science major who was unsure of his career path, but deep down he knew he had a calling. 

“I always felt I wanted to be a teacher, so I just jumped in, got my master’s degree right away, and just went for it,” he said. 

After ten years of teaching in a traditional high school classroom, he began looking for something that felt truer to who he was. 

“I was a public high school teacher for ten years in New Hampshire, and it was wearing me out, but then COVID-19 exposed me to online teaching for the first time,” Mr. Olderstein explained. “I found K12PA online and applied, knowing I wanted to work online after experiencing it briefly. So, I’ve been at this school four years now and I love it.” 

When he’s not teaching science, Mr. Olderstein leads K12PA’s Environmental Club. 

“I’m in the environmental club and I do environmental science classes at the high school level too,” he said. “I moderate the club and give guidance.” 

Learning That’s Fun—and a Little Bit Funny 

Even without a physical classroom, Mr. Olderstein keeps his students engaged and connected through creativity and humor. His students say they feel close to him through the interactive videos he makes and the energy he brings to class. 

“I’ll do this character where I pretend I’m Eric who’s a bad student in class,” he said. “Eric doesn’t want to do school and just wants to play video games. When we’re doing the content, bad Eric is doing the lab report the wrong way.” 

This gives his students a good laugh while keeping them engaged in their learning. Mr. Olderstein said when students join his optional live sessions, it’s because they truly want to be there, and judging by their feedback, they enjoy every minute of it. 

From the Students 

Mr. Olderstein says the connection he builds with students makes the recognition as Middle School Teacher of the Year especially meaningful. The comments students shared about him show just how much of an impact he’s had. 

• “Mr. O is really funny, nice, and he makes learning fun.” – 2025 K12PA Student 

• “I’ve always had a tough time with assignments in science, but Mr. Olderstein had a way of explaining things that helped me a lot. I don’t know if he can see this, but thanks Mr. O!!” – 2025 K12PA Student 

• “His classes are interesting. He makes things easy to understand and lets me know exactly what is needed. He explains everything clearly.” – 2025 K12PA Student 

• “Mr. Olderstein is one of the best and funniest teachers I have ever had.” – 2025 K12PA Student 

A School That Fits Everyone 

Mr. Olderstein says one of the things that makes K12 Private Academy (K12PA) stand out is how it empowers students to take control of their learning. 

“I just like the autonomy that the kids get, and they control their education,” he shared. “I think it’s good for the kid too, because they’re learning how to work on a computer themselves and set their own schedule.” 

That freedom, he says, is one of the biggest benefits of online education. 

“Make it yours, make it work around your schedule, make it work for you,” he said. “Enjoy that control you have and then embrace it. I think it’s the best part of the school.” 

Renewed Energy and Purpose 

After years in traditional classrooms, Mr. Olderstein says teaching online has rekindled his energy and creativity. 

“It feels like I’m not lost in just going through the motions,” he explained. “It all comes together better, and I can have that more meaningful class.” 

His story perfectly reflects what makes K12 Private Academy unique – supporting both teachers and students in a learning experience that’s flexible, personal, and full of possibility. 

Learn more about K12 Private Academy