iLEAD Online Team Spotlight on Priscilla Deker

Get ready to meet one of the passionate educators who makes iLEAD Online such a special place! This week, we’re shining a spotlight on Priscilla Deker, a dedicated social studies facilitator. Priscilla brings a wealth of experience in education and a genuine commitment to learner success. Let’s get to know Priscilla!

Please tell us about your background and how you came to be at iLEAD Online.

I have been working in nontraditional non-classroom-based school settings since 2013. I have a lot of experience with homeschooling, and I really believe online and innovative educational settings are the future! I was attracted to the core pedagogy at iLEAD Online, which involves teachers in curriculum design.

What is your role at iLEAD Online? What’s the best part about it? 

I am a social studies facilitator at iLEAD Online. I love creating fun assignments for learners to use their creativity, and I love teaching history using tech tools.

What do you LOVE about iLEAD Online? What sets it apart from other schools?

iLEAD Online is exceptional because all educators work hard to achieve learner success. Learners get a lot of support and many different opportunities to showcase their skills, with many chances to revisit assignments when concepts are difficult to grasp.

Are you involved in other activities (e.g. clubs, tutoring, community engagement) at iLEAD Online? 

I hope to organize a museum visit one day.

In your opinion, what makes a great leader?

A great leader believes in servant leadership and leads by example.

There are great social-emotional learning activities/opportunities at iLEAD Online. Can you share a story about seeing learners using them in action (or yourself)?

I really enjoyed the training from The Los Angeles Institute for Restorative Practices. It was very informative, and I keep right brain practices in mind when designing assessments and connecting with learners.

What does a day in your school life look like?

A typical day starts with live office hours, checking emails, grading, connecting with learners, checking Slack messages for collaboration opportunities or announcements and making notes of classes that need edits and changes. I am constantly thinking about ways to improve courses.

Please name five fun facts about you. Extra credit for lots of details.

• I speak five languages (English, French, Greek, Armenian and Spanish).
• I was born in France and moved to the USA at 18.
• I lived in Greece after college and worked as an ESL instructor overseas.
• I have a master’s degree in education and two teaching credentials (French and social studies). I am currently a doctoral candidate at Arizona State University, and my research focus on providing learners with choice and encouraging self-directed learning.
• I have 3 kids aged 2, 7, and 11. I love art, traveling, and learning about different cultures.

Priscilla’s passion for social studies, her creative approach to instruction, and her commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment make her an inspiration to both learners and colleagues at iLEAD Online. We’re so fortunate to have her on our team!