Barbara DeGrote
English/Language Arts
Where do you live?
I live in Litchfield with my husband and slightly nervous wiener dog, Petey. I have three grown children, one still in graduate school.
Why did you become a teacher?
Something called to me. Teaching brings together all the elements that bring me joy: connecting, learning, observing, responding.
Working with students in an online environment allows for individual attention at a new level. No one gets lost in the cracks here.
Why did you choose BlueSky?
BlueSky is progressive. It’s where education is moving. I just wanted to get there first. At BlueSky, I’ve been allowed to be creative, innovative, and techie at the same time. It’s the perfect work environment.
What do you think makes BlueSky special?
Working with students in an online environment allows for individual attention at a new level. No one gets lost in the cracks here. Online learning allows for each student to get their educational needs met as soon as they hit the “send” button.
I appreciate the investment BlueSky makes to each student through its three-person team approach. We create a safety net here. If we don’t hear from a student in awhile, we go looking.
What do you like to do when you’re not teaching?
On my “off days” I exercise my dog and myself as well! Living on a lake allows me to be outside often. On bad weather days, my book is open, or I work on my on-going novel. I also play a little piano.
If there were one thing you could tell people about BlueSky, what would it be?
If a student wants to move forward, they can do it here. If they’re stuck, we walk with them. If the time is not right, the door stays open. We make a commitment to each student whether they are ready to commit or not.
Education
- B.A., Music and English, Concordia College, Moorhead
- Rainier Writing Workshop, Pacific Lutheran College, Tacoma, Washington
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