How an INGAS Teacher Builds Community Online 

For Shelby Helton, teaching at Indiana Gateway Digital Alternative School (INGAS) is more than just a job, it’s coming to school each day and inspiring change. In only her second year of teaching at INGAS, Shelby has made lasting connections with other staff, students, and families around Indiana.  

Originally from Huntingburg, Indiana, Shelby graduated with a degree in education from IU Southeast, and immediately fell in love with teaching. She built her community in education, meeting students and teachers from different backgrounds and grade levels. Shelby taught at a small brick-and-mortar school for two years before making the switch to INGAS, and while she loved the work, she felt like something was missing in her previous role. She wanted to teach at a school that focused more on the connections between students and teachers, rather than data and numbers. Shelby felt like she “was called to be at INGAS,” and found exactly what she had been missing. 

Now, at INGAS, Shelby has never felt more connected to her students. Through an online platform, she’s found that students are more willing to open up, and will talk with her about anything. From schoolwork, to their favorite sports teams, and their future goals, Shelby learns who her students are as people, not just learners. 

“When you connect with students, they’re going to go further.” says Shelby when reflecting on how she contributes to student success at INGAS. From Shelby’s experience, students who choose online school are there because there was a previous barrier to learning. In addition to providing an excellent education and a listening ear, Shelby removes barriers by taking action to ensure her students feel supported and comfortable showing up to school each day. Shelby takes time to create Individual Student Pathways (ISPs), where she can understand her students’ needs and best satisfy them. On one occasion, Shelby drove over two hours to deliver supplies to her student, who was a new mom at the time, affirming her dedication to her students’ success.  

Teachers like Shelby embody INGAS’s mission of providing high quality, fully online education for any type of learner. If you or your child are interested in virtual learning and connecting with teachers like Shelby, visit the INGAS website and enroll today!