How Ms. Stephenson Brings Purpose to Math at Carolus Online Academy

fter 27 years in education, Ms. Stephenson has learned one powerful truth: students don’t just need content – they need connection. 

Now in her fourth-year teaching online at Carolus Online Academy (COA), Stephenson says online learning has allowed her to do more for students than ever before. 

“I love online education so much,” she shared. “I feel like I can do more for kids virtually than I could in person.” 

Having spent more than two decades in the classroom, Stephenson approaches online teaching with a very intentional mindset. 

“If you’re here – if you’re at COA – then a different type of education hasn’t worked for you,” she said. “Something different is needed. I approach every class as, ‘I am that difference you need.’” 

Putting Students Before the Curriculum 

For Stephenson, teaching is never about rushing through lessons. 

“Be prepared for the child to really, really come first,” she said. “To the point where if you have to put your curriculum on the side for that child to feel success, you do it.” 

She believes students – especially teenagers navigating major transitions – need to feel supported before they can truly learn. 

“These kids are in a pivotal phase of life,” Stephenson shared. “Somewhere, they have to get hope. And it just might be here, in this classroom.” 

Teaching More Than Math 

Stephenson teaches high school math and statistics, but her classroom focuses just as much on life skills as academic content. 

“I tell them, you’re probably right – you may not ever use this level of math,” she said. “But what we are going to learn is how to overcome something that’s hard.” 

Instead of asking students to simply plot points or memorize formulas, she challenges them to understand what data actually means and how it applies to their real lives. 

“What do those points mean?” She asks her students. “That’s what matters.” 

Using AI To Make Learning Real 

One of the most innovative parts of Stephenson’s classroom is a personalized, semester-long project she created for a course called Applications in Modeling. 

Using artificial intelligence and real-world data, students research careers, salaries, college costs and cost of living in places they want to live. 

“We retrack ten years of data – income, salary, cost of college, cost of living,” she explained. “It becomes their life.” 

For many students, the experience is eye-opening. 

“Instead of moving to California, one student realized it would be cheaper to move to Texas to do what he wanted to do,” she said. “Another student decided radiology made more sense than becoming a neonatal nurse.” 

“These are eleventh and twelfth graders,” Stephenson added. “These decisions matter right now.” 

Preparing Students for the Real World 

Stephenson is also leading professional development across the K12 network, presenting at Promising Practices Conference on how AI can be used responsibly in math classrooms and how families can partner with schools using digital tools. 

“AI isn’t always right,” she said. “But it is a tool – if you know what you’re looking for.” 

At Carolus Online Academy, Stephenson says the focus on students and families makes all the difference. 

“The student truly matters first here,” she shared. “And that’s what I love about COA.” 

Is Online Learning Right for You? 

At Carolus Online Academy (COA), students experience a tuition-free online education designed for their individual learning needs. Serving K-12th grade students in South Carolina, COA offers a college and career-focused curriculum, passionate teachers, and a variety of social and extracurricular opportunities. Since its founding in 2023, COA has empowered students through flexible learning and personalized support. As a K12-powered school, COA benefits from 25 years of leadership in online education through K12, a Stride, Inc. portfolio brand. Learn more at coa.k12.com. 

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