Community Spotlight: Allie Mohr

Allie Mohr is in her second year as a math teacher at Prestans. We recently checked in with her to learn more about her background in education, her experience teaching online, and her thoughts on synchronous learning.

Tell us a little about your background and experience in education.

I spent two years teaching at Mount Rainier High School near Seattle before moving to Vermont, where I taught at Springfield High School for another two years. After having a baby, I decided to step out of the traditional classroom to spend more time at home. Since then, I've been working with Prestans, where I've been able to continue my passion for teaching in a flexible, online environment.

Who was your favorite teacher and why?

My favorite teacher was Wendy Riggs, my biology professor in college. I initially thought I would struggle with the subject, as biology has never been a strength of mine. However, she made the class engaging and enjoyable, both in person and online. Her interactive assignments were thoughtfully designed to build on our prior knowledge, which set us up for success. 

What pulled you to work at Prestans?

I was drawn to Prestans because of the flexibility and accessibility it offers, along with the small teacher-to-student ratio.

What have you enjoyed most about teaching online?

I've most enjoyed the flexibility and accessibility that online teaching offers, along with the unique ability to connect with students in ways that can be more challenging in traditional in-person classrooms. The online format allows for more individualized attention and interaction, which can lead to deeper connections with students.

Why do you feel that teaching live synchronous classes is so important for online education?

There are many reasons, but the most important is the opportunity to build strong relationships with students. Teaching live, synchronous classes allows for real-time interaction, which fosters a connection between teacher and student that enhances motivation and engagement on both sides. This dynamic is difficult to achieve without the immediate feedback and personal connection that face-to-face interaction provides.

What do you like to do for fun outside of work?

When I’m not working, I enjoy knitting cozy sweaters or sewing garments for myself and my daughter. I also like taking walks with my two big dogs and spending quality time with my friends and family. To unwind, I love doing crossword puzzles.