From Cookie Decorating to Capitol Advocacy: Felicia Kern’s Impact at Washington Virtual Academy and Beyond

Felicia Kern has dedicated her career to expanding opportunities for students through Career and Technical Education (CTE). Now in her third year at Washington Virtual Academies, Felicia’s impact is evident at every level, from policy to field trips, and from national competitions to baking hundreds of sugar cookies for her students. 

A former brick-and-mortar educator with 11 years of classroom experience, Felicia made the leap to online education in 2022 and hasn’t looked back. Based in Puyallup, Washington, she not only teaches middle school business and marketing courses but also serves as an advisor for the school’s Business Professionals of America (BPA) chapter and is president of the Digital Public Schools Alliance. 

Felicia is a standout CTE leader not only for her instructional talent but also for how she brings classroom content to life. With her co-advisor Lisa Greer, they run both middle and high school BPA chapters at Washington Virtual Academies. Their student-led meetings dive into business fundamentals while encouraging real-world application. The results speak for themselves; students consistently qualify for national competitions. Just this year, a tenth-grade team developed a 17-page business plan, earning a coveted Top 10 spot at the BPA National Leadership Conference.  

One of Felicia’s most cherished projects is the South Sound Outings initiative, which she co-leads with fellow Washington Virtual Academy educators including Andi Bernardoni, Cori Slaker, Jeannie Hellwich. Recognizing the importance of face-to-face connections in an online learning environment, Felicia helps organize monthly in-person gatherings for K–12 students across the South Sound region. From glow-in-the-dark terrariums and gingerbread house decorating to educational field trips to the Science Dome and Capitol, these events are more than just fun, they build lasting community among students and families. 

Each month, the team coordinates activities with themes and hands-on elements. In February, Felicia baked and prepped 300 heart-shaped sugar cookies for students to decorate and enjoy. In October, she helped organize BINGO and a spooky craft session. These events routinely draw 25–35 online learning students from across the state, with some reaching up to 55 attendees. It’s a remarkable feat of coordination, care, and creativity. 

Felicia’s passion lies in working directly with students, fostering their curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Whether she’s guiding students through business plans, planning field day events, or testifying for digital education policy, Felicia leads with heart, vision, and integrity.