Community Spotlight: Amethyst King

Amethyst is a social studies teacher in her fourth year working at Prestans Online Academy. With a unique educational background that included working at a project-based international travel school, she feels that teaching social studies is about more than just covering the content. It's about learning to become a critical thinker and active member of society.

How long have you worked at Prestans?

Since July 2020, over 4 years

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

I started my teaching career with a dual program, teaching at the Lawrenceville School while getting my Masters from UPenn. My thesis was all about how to effectively bring current events into history classes. I then had the unique experience of working in an international travel school with a project-based learning curriculum - my favorite was leading my own unit about empire and conflict in Istanbul. Since then, I’ve transitioned into the college consulting space where I work with students on their applications and the full college application process. And of course still teaching with Prestans! 

What is your favorite part of teaching in a synchronous online environment?

Absolutely being able to connect with our incredible students. I love learning about my students as people and their interests and goals in life - the best classes are when we can intentionally connect the history we’re learning to their interests. 

What do you think is most unique about Prestans as an online school?

Due to our small classes, we really get to know our students in a full way. I also really appreciate how everything is so skills-focused. Everything feels meaningful and applicable to their futures because we’re not just teaching content, but how to be critical thinkers and society members. 

If you were to explain Prestans to someone new to online education, what would you say?

An individualized learning program that is skills-based and prioritizes the student as a learner. We focus on supporting our students to become more independent - I’d say it’s more of a partnership because we ask our students to be so present and meta-cognitive in their own learning journey. 

What do you like to do for fun?

Yoga, go to concerts/enjoy live music, travel, and watch mindless television (reality TV preferred)