Two Decades In, This All-Star Teacher Made the Leap to Online Learning and It’s Making a Difference for Students 

For Chris Heacox, a high school math teacher at Washington Virtual Academy (WAVA), this school year marked more than just a new role. It was a turning point, both professionally and personally. 

A Career Shift That Changed Everything 

After 20 years in education, Mr. Heacox felt something shifting. The passion that once fueled his classroom was starting to fade, and he knew it was time for a change. What he didn’t expect was how impactful that change would be. 

Mr. Heacox made the transition to online teaching this year. At first, he wasn’t sure what to expect. Like many educators stepping into a virtual environment for the first time, there were questions around engagement, connection, and what the day-to-day would really look like. Now, months into the experience, his perspective has completely transformed. 

Finding Connection in a Virtual Classroom 

Mr. Heacox says one of the biggest surprises has been the students themselves. Many choose online learning intentionally, and that mindset creates a different kind of classroom environment. He has seen firsthand how many students find success when given the right support. 

That support often starts with creating a space where students feel comfortable showing up, asking questions, and working through challenges at their own pace, something Mr. Heacox has prioritized as he builds trust with each class. 

The transition, he explains, was smoother than anticipated. With strong curriculum resources already in place, he was able to focus less on building from scratch and more on enhancing lessons and connecting with students. Over time, he leaned into his personality, bringing humor, “dad jokes,” and even a few 90s references into his teaching style.  

By combining those moments of levity with clear expectations and consistent structure, he’s been able to create an environment where students stay focused while still feeling supported, helping lessons land in a way that sticks.  

That authenticity, he says, has made a noticeable difference in student engagement. 

More Than a Job, A Better Life 

It’s also made a difference at home. Teaching online has given Mr. Heacox something he didn’t realize he was missing: balance. With his son also learning online and his wife working from home, the family now has more time together. Weekends are spent outdoors, playing tennis, attending their children’s activities, and being intentional about staying connected. 

He describes the shift as giving him mental clarity and renewed energy, not just as a teacher, but as a husband and father. That renewed energy shows up in the classroom as well, allowing him to be more present, more patient, and more responsive to student needs throughout the day. The result is a better version of himself in every role. Mr. Heacox says he now can’t imagine going back. 

Coaching on the Biggest Stage 

That flexibility became especially meaningful during one of the most unforgettable experiences of his life, coaching a team all the way to the Little League World Series. 

The Bonney Lake Little League All-Star team had already been advancing through tournaments when Mr. Heacox stepped in as coach. What followed was a whirlwind 23-day journey that took the team from regional competition to the national stage in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Heacox and the coaching staff became full-time caretakers for the team’s 12 young players, managing everything from meals and uniforms to daily routines. All the boys stayed together, creating a tight-knit environment that required constant leadership, patience, and care. 

When it came time to compete, the stakes were unlike anything they had experienced before. One game drew more than two million viewers on television and 15,000 fans in the stands. For a group of 12-year-olds used to playing in front of a few dozen spectators, the moment felt surreal. 

The team made history as the first from their district to win a game at the World Series and finished among the top teams in the country. Along the way, they met players from the Seattle Mariners and represented their region on a national stage. 

When Coaching Meets the Classroom 

What made the experience even more remarkable was that Mr. Heacox didn’t have to choose between coaching and his new teaching role. Because of the flexibility of online teaching, he was able to stay connected to his work while fully supporting his team, something that likely wouldn’t have been possible in a traditional classroom setting. 

Back in the virtual classroom, that coaching mindset continues to shape how he supports students. As they prepare for state testing, he’s stepped into a familiar role. “I got to be a coach for a little bit and just try to motivate them. Letting them know it’s about the mindset and not quitting, not giving in, just doing their best.” 

That same approach carries into his daily teaching, where encouragement, consistency, and clear guidance help students stay on track and feel confident in their progress. 

Real-World Learning That Clicks 

Mr. Heacox is also finding new ways to bring real-world relevance into his lessons. In consumer math courses, students who once struggled are becoming more engaged when topics like car loans and personal finance are introduced. These practical applications help students see the value of what they’re learning beyond the classroom. By connecting lessons to real-life decisions students will soon face, he’s helping them build practical skills while reinforcing a deeper understanding of the material. 

Looking ahead, he’s excited for the moments when the virtual becomes personal, whether that’s seeing students during in-state testing or meeting graduating seniors for the first time at commencement. For Mr. Heacox, what started as a leap into the unknown has become one of the most rewarding chapters of his career. And just like in baseball, sometimes the biggest wins come from taking a chance on something new. 

Back to Blog