20 Years of Teaching, Mentorship, and Community: Celebrating Mr. Terry at Washington Virtual Academies

A Vision Takes Shape in DuPont

When Washington Virtual Academies first launched in 2006, a small group of 16 teachers gathered around a table in DuPont, Washington, filled with vision and determination. Among them was homeroom teacher, Danny Terry, one of the original educators who helped launch a school that would go on to transform learning for thousands of families across the state.

Nearly 20 years later, Mr. Terry remains a cornerstone of the Washington Virtual Academies community. Today, he continues to bring homeroom subjects to life for his students, traveling monthly to Spokane for in-person outings and connecting daily with families online.

From Brick-and-Mortar to Virtual Innovation

Before joining Washington Virtual Academies, Mr. Terry taught in brick-and-mortar classrooms, but his journey into online learning began when his wife, also an educator, introduced him to the world of virtual education. At the time, online public schooling was a new idea in Washington, and the founding team had to innovate at every turn.

Navigating Uncharted Territory

In those early days, Mr. Terry and his fellow founding teachers were navigating uncharted territory. They expected around 800 students to enroll in the first year, but by the end of that year, more than 1,600 families had signed on! The overwhelming response made it clear that Washington families were eager for something different and Washington Virtual Academies quickly grew into a thriving statewide community.

Building Connections Without Cameras

Technology Transforms the Classroom

Over time, as technology advanced, Washington Virtual Academies embraced live instruction, interactive platforms, and opportunities for students to connect across the state.

Relationships That Matter

For Mr. Terry, the essence of Washington Virtual Academies has always been connected. “You actually form better connections online than you might expect,” he shared. “I get to engage with learning coaches and students weekly. Those relationships matter.”

Outings That Bring Families Together

Outings have also been a vital part of Washington Virtual Academies’ culture. Like the Spokane County Fair, complete with a ball pit, hot dogs, and hamburgers, Mr. Terry has seen first-hand how families bond through shared experiences. Even after a decade, parents and students who met him at these events still reach out.

Beyond the Classroom

In addition to his homeroom classes, Mr. Terry has taught summer reading for the past several years, sparking curiosity and creativity in his students beyond the school year. He also leads the Classroom Share project in his homeroom, where families in need receive gift cards so they can enjoy a better holiday season.

Resilience and Support

Even after facing challenges, such as recovering from a mountain biking accident two years ago, Mr. Terry has leaned on Washington Virtual Academies’ strong support system. His colleagues and families stepped in to help, reminding him of the community he helped build from the very beginning.

Two Decades of Dedication

From DuPont’s first planning meetings to today’s thriving statewide school, Mr. Terry has seen Washington Virtual Academies evolve in ways few could have imagined. Through it all, one constant remains: his dedication to students and families.

“I’ve been here since the start, and I still love what I do,” he added. “Every year brings something new, but the mission has stayed the same, helping kids succeed.”

Honoring a Legacy

As Washington Virtual Academies celebrates its 20th year, we honor Mr. Terry and all the founding teachers whose vision and passion laid the groundwork for a school that continues to reimagine education in Washington.

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