Mr. Greenwood: Guiding Physics Learners with Empathy and Expertise

Mr. Greenwood, a seasoned educator with a passion for physics, brings a decade of teaching experience to iLEAD Online. After a move to Santa Clarita, California, he found his new work at our online school and has since embraced the flexibility and unique culture it offers. As a dedicated coach and facilitator, he guides learners through the complexities of physics. He is a champion for connection and a firm believer in iLEAD Online’s mission to lead with empathy.

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

After teaching in Orange County for 10 years, my family moved to Santa Clarita. I found iLEAD Online and have loved every second being here.

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

I am a coach and facilitator for physics.

I love interacting with students on the coaching side and seeing them progress through their classes.

On the facilitator side, I enjoy seeing what the students bring to the class. Seeing their projects explain natural phenomenon is the best.

The biggest challenge is not meeting IRL, so I encourage students and employees to be part of iLEAD Online’s in-person meetups!

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

The flexibility, hands-down. With iLEAD Online, I get to set my schedule and work when I need to. Students also get that luxury and can finish their work on their schedule, not someone else’s.

In your opinion, what makes a great leader?

A great leader is one with a clear mission and vision, who instills in others the same beliefs. A great leader lets those they are leading make decisions that keep the mission/vision in focus but does not dictate how the goals are to be accomplished. I always say, “the guide on the side.”

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)?

At iLEAD Online the educators are super focused on the individual. When a student is having a difficult time socially, emotionally, or academically, we call a Student Support Team meeting to get all the involved parties together to work on a solution. The motto that has been told to me and students is that we come at situations with grace. There are no judgments about situations, just solution-oriented meetings where all voices are heard and everyone walks away with clear expectations.

What does a day in your school life look like?

A typical day starts with coffee, then catching up on messages. I check email, Slack, Brightspace, and texts/voicemails. Then I go into Brightspace and look at how my students are doing on getting their work in to their classes. After checking on my coach roster, I then switch over to the facilitator side and grade work that physics students have submitted. Finally I will start reaching out to my students on the coach roster and check in with them on their plans for the day/week. There may or may not be a meeting thrown in or messages that I receive throughout the day, but those are not always planned for. I will usually finish out the day looking over content for classes and making little adjustments, as the classes always need a little refinement.

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

1. For a year after college, I lived in South Korea, teaching English. This was a super great time and taught me about another county’s culture as well as American culture.
2. I have a mechanical engineering degree and have never had an engineering job. Two days after I graduated, I was in my teaching credential classes, as I knew this profession was my calling.
3.  I have played the same video game since 2011: League of Legends. I started when they were on season 2 and now they are in season 15. It is what I play when I need to go into my own world and decompress.

Mr. Greenwood’s journey from a traditional classroom to the world of online learning has been a rewarding one. He’s found a perfect fit at iLEAD Online, where he balances his roles as a coach and facilitator. With his belief that a great leader is a “guide on the side,” it’s the philosophy he brings to his role every day.

About iLEAD Online:

iLEAD Online is a free public TK-12 school providing personalized online education with flexible schedules, allowing learners to pursue their passions like acting, athletics, and dance, alongside their studies. Founded in 2017, we emphasize individualized and project-based learning, leadership, and social-emotional growth. Learners benefit from technology, arts, and deeper learning, developing collaboration and critical thinking skills through our flexible virtual independent study model. Certified educators and college counselors offer personalized support, including guidance on college applications and financial aid. We also offer NCAA and UC a-g approved courses. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and find us at www.ileadonline.org.

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