From Cosplay to Connection: How One WAVA Teacher is Building Community Through Anime, Manga, and a Little Bit of Magic 

At Washington Virtual Academies’ (WAVA) learning doesn’t just happen on a screen, it comes to life through creativity, connection, and shared passions. For Heath Bingman, a special education teacher based in Pullman, WA, that connection starts with something wonderfully unexpected: Anime, Manga… and any fandom you would see at comi-con!  

A Teacher Who Embraces the “Wonderfully Weird” 

Mrs. Bingman describes herself proudly as a “full-blown nerd”, and she means it in the best possible way. With a bachelor’s degree and three master’s degrees, her academic background is impressive. But what truly defines her classroom, and now her club, is her passion for storytelling, imagination, and curiosity. From anime and Webtoons to sci-fi, fantasy, and even cryptids, Mrs. Bingman brings a unique energy that resonates deeply with her students.

At WAVA, she teaches special education, focusing on remedial math, social-emotional behavioral support, and executive functioning skills. Her days are filled with lesson planning, teaching, connecting with students and families, and developing individualized education plans which are all centered on one goal: helping students access learning in ways that truly work for them.

Turning Shared Interests into Something Bigger 

The idea for the Anime/Manga Club came from simple conversations. After connecting with students who shared her love for anime and storytelling, Mrs. Bingman recognized these students needed more than just academic support; they wanted a space to belong. 

“That instantly spoke to my nerdy little heart,” Mrs. Bingman shared. “They deserved a place to connect, build community, and celebrate their interests. What started as a small idea quickly grew into something much bigger.” 

Now more than 30 students across Washington are participating in the club, bonding over shared interests in anime and manga, Japanese styles of animation and illustrated storytelling known for rich world-building, expressive characters, and imaginative narratives. 

Bringing Virtual Fun into Onsite Settings 

Understanding how important in-person connection can be, Mrs. Bingman began organizing meetups across the state. The first gathering is set for April 4 in Richland, with additional meetups already being explored in Spokane and the Seattle area. Families are stepping in to help coordinate locations, and Ms. Bingman is even planning to travel across Washington to make these experiences accessible to as many students as possible. 

“It’s hard for students to find ways to connect in person,” Mrs. Bingman explained. “Anime and manga give them a shared interest, but the real goal is building community.” 

These meetups go beyond conversation. They’re immersive, creative experiences where students can dress as their favorite characters, express themselves through cosplay, and form real friendships. Mrs. Bingman is fully prepared! With more than 20 wigs in her collection, she’s more than ready to join in the fun. 

Learning Disguised as Adventure  

Mrs. Bingman‘s outside passion for engagement doesn’t stop with anime. When she’s not teaching at WAVA, she runs a Dungeons & Dragons club at her local library and leads a group called “Cryptid Club,” where kids explore myths and legends through research, critical thinking, and even hands-on investigations. 

“Students investigate myths and legends, research their historical and cultural backgrounds, and even participate in an annual visit to the old St. Ignatius Hospital to collect and analyze data using investigative equipment. They then evaluate the evidence to see what holds up and what doesn’t. It’s learning, skepticism, and curiosity…with a spooky aesthetic. It’s a philosophy I hope to bring even further into my work here at WAVA.” Mrs. Bingman exclaimed. 

A Space Where Students Belong 

In an online learning environment, creating connections can be one of the biggest challenges—and one of the most meaningful opportunities. Mrs. Bingman is creating a space where students who may not always feel seen can find their people. Where creativity is celebrated. Where learning feels exciting, and where friendships can grow both online and in real life. 

She said, “At the end of the day, I just think the world is pretty darn cool—and I love helping students engage with it in fun, meaningful, and accessible ways.” 

At WAVA we are thankful for our many wonderful educators who build deeper relationships, creating spaces where every student feels like they belong. 

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