Entries by Ronaldo Gomez

Student Spotlight: Supported Today, Prepared for Tomorrow

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Student Spotlight: Supported Today, Prepared for Tomorrow

At Visions In Education, we champion personalized pathways to student success. When Shonnie W. was not receiving the support she needed in traditional school settings, she enrolled in Visions’ Independent Study Academy. Three years later, she is a successful junior, thriving both academically and personally.

The Value of Support

A highlight of Shonnie’s time as a student at Visions has been the strong relationships she has built with her teachers and counselor. “My relationship with my teacher and counselor is great,” she shared. “I am comfortable with them, and they are both very helpful and reassuring.”

That support has made a lasting impact on her experience, something her teachers have also noticed. “Shonnie is an amazing student and individual,” shared Lisa Rainbolt, Shonnie’s teacher. Reflecting on her journey, Shonnie added, “I appreciate all of the help and support given by each of my teachers and my counselor, and I cannot thank them enough.”

Shonnie’s favorite part of being a student at Visions is the ability to complete her school work at a pace that works for her. With support from her teachers and counselor, taking charge of her learning schedule has allowed Shonnie to make substantial progress toward her educational goals.

In addition to her academic success, she has had the opportunity to explore her passions outside of school, including sewing, swimming, and cosmetics. To support the whole child, Visions provides students with funds for activities and connects them to enrichment programs. Shonnie has used these resources to expand her sewing skills. 

Setting Sights on What’s Next

Looking to the future, Shonnie has set goals to attend the University of California, Berkeley or Yale University, and plans to work toward becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. 

When asked for advice, Shonnie said she would encourage students considering Visions to enroll for “the support that you receive from the school.” 

“I would like to give a shout-out to Mrs. Brunckhorst for being an amazing teacher for my ninth and tenth grade years at Visions. I would like to give a shout-out to Mrs. Rainbolt. She has been awesome! I must give a shout-out to my counselor, Jen, who has been with me for three years now. I appreciate all the help and support from each of you, and I cannot thank you enough. One more year to go!!”

Visions’ Main Office & STS Closed January 19, 2026 for Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day

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Visions' Main Office & STS Closed January 19, 2026 for Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day

Visions’ main office and Student Technology Services (STS) will be closed Monday, January 19, 2026 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We will resume operations during regular business hours on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Resources & Information

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States, observed every year on the third Monday of January to honor the life and legacy of civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It’s a day that commemorates Dr. King’s advocacy and activism, and celebrates a leader who brought hope and healing to America. For more information about Martin Luther King Jr. Day, please see the following resources:

Teacher and Credentialed Staff Virtual Career Fairs 2026

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Teacher and Credentialed Staff Virtual Career Fairs 2026

Visions In Education is holding virtual career fairs in February for prospective teachers and credentialed staff to learn more about our school. We provide four at-home learning programs for students seeking alternatives to the traditional school setting. Visions has successfully supported students and families for over 25 years and is a growing, thriving organization.

We’re looking for teachers and credentialed staff in all nine of our service counties including Amador, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Sutter, and Yolo.

Our students and families choose Visions as their school because we provide outstanding teachers, personalized learning plans, enrichment opportunities, standards-based curriculum, and effective student support systems and technologies to help them achieve their educational goals.

Career Fair Details

Dates:

  1. Tuesday, February 10, 2026
  2. Thursday, February 19, 2026

Schedule:

To accommodate schedules, the virtual career fairs will have two webinar sessions to choose from. Attendees will also be able to request an optional 10 minute one-on-one interview. 

Webinar: 3:15 to 4:00 p.m. & 4:15 – 5:00 p.m.

Individual Interviews: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

10 minute interviews for interested attendees will be scheduled during this time.

How to Register:

To register for a career fair webinar session and to schedule a mini interview, please complete this Google Form. We will email you with a webinar registration link and interview appointment time within four working days. 





Register Here!

Meet Our Staff

Credentialed Staff Benefits

We have a dynamic and cohesive team. Staff survey commonly show satisfaction rates over 90%. We provide: 



  • Competitive Salaries with additional off schedule increases available when approved by our Board of Directors.


  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans with options for no out of pocket costs for "Employee Only" coverage. Affordable plans available when enrolling family members.


  • We offer both CalSTRS and CalPERS retirement.


  • As a non-site based school teachers meet with students in their community and the surrounding areas.


  • Credentialed office staff work out of our main office in Gold River


  • Access to top of the line technology and tools including our proprietary administrative software, the LPAD Student Support System™. This system simplifies your admin work and gives you more time to focus on student success.


  • Ability to tailor your student's education and help them thrive academially and social-emotionally.

About Visions In Education
Visions is a free WASC accredited public charter school that proudly serves 8,000+ students in Amador, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Sutter, and Yolo counties. We offer four at-home learning options: Home School (TK-8), Independent Study (9-12), Online Middle School (7-8) and University Prep (9-12). Established in 1999, Visions has over 25 years of experience in personalized learning, making us one of the largest and most sought-after charter schools in Northern California. 

Review our open credentialed positions and job descriptions here.

Get to Know PLI TOSA April Ashton

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Get to Know PLI TOSA April Ashton

April Ashton is an instructional coach and professional learning facilitator who leverages research and data to drive high-impact learning. She holds multiple subject and single subject credentials and has supported caseloads across Visions’ Home School Academy, Online Middle School, and Independent Study programs. Her coaching includes 1:1 sessions, New Family Orientations, SCOE Induction Mentoring, and Family Learning Communities, where she helps educators and families build confidence and apply effective strategies. Her action research in the Science of Reading guides her work in equipping teachers with evidence-based practices that strengthen literacy and student success. In February, April Ashton will present alongside PLI Department colleagues at the California Consortium for Independent Study Conference.

The Professional Learning Team at Visions In Education provides professional learning, coaching & consultation, as well as instructional best practices and action research, to ensure that all Visions educators can provide students with high levels of learning. Our team is staffed with grade-level, subject matter, and educator competency expertise to ensure Visions staff have access to comprehensive support. April Ashton is skilled in leveraging educational technology and data to inform instruction, streamline workflows, and improve student outcomes. She is committed to helping teachers and family partners confidently implement effective strategies that meet diverse student needs outside the traditional classroom.

Student Spotlight: Pursuing Her Passions

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Student Spotlight: Pursuing Her Passions

At Visions In Education, students are empowered to learn at their own pace while diving deep into the passions that make them who they are. For students like Home School 8th grader Fiori A., this is key.

Fiori enrolled at Visions in 6th grade to access a curriculum and support system that would help her meet her learning goals, especially in math, after she had fallen behind at her previous school. Working at her own pace, met with the right curriculum and support from her teacher, has made all the difference for Fiori. When asked about her relationship with her teacher, she shared, “[Ms. Allen has] been one of the best parts about Visions for me. She always lets me express myself, share my thoughts and schoolwork, always making sure I’m on the right path.”

Dancing Toward Her Dreams

Being a student at Visions has allowed Fiori to make progress academically while pursuing her passions. “Visions gives me time during the day to practice my creative interests while still staying on track academically, which makes school feel more personalized and enjoyable for me,” Fiori shared

Fiori is especially passionate about dance. She has been training since the age of 9, steadily strengthening her technique, confidence, and discipline. Her commitment has led to remarkable opportunities, including five consecutive summers at the prestigious Debbie Allen Dance Academy Summer Intensives.

That training opened the door to a milestone she describes as “a dream come true”: auditioning for Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. “[Finding] out Mrs. Debbie Allen herself wanted me in her award-winning production was the best news I have ever received,” Fiori recalled. She was cast in an impressive four roles, an achievement that reflects both her talent and tireless work. This month, she continues to grow as a performer while rehearsing for The Nutcracker Bird with the Berkeley Ballet Theater.

Building Confidence Through Creativity 

Fiori’s creativity doesn’t stop at dance. She has also been sewing for five years, and last summer, she brought her skills to the runway when she designed, created, and modeled her first three-piece suit in a fashion show. In addition to dance and design, she loves to sing and act, and plans to keep developing each craft with hopes of one day building a career in the performing arts. With her determination and hard work, she is sure to be successful. “She is dynamic, respectful, organized, creative, and accomplishes her goals,” shared Ms. Allen, Fiori’s teacher.

Since enrolling with Visions, she has also strengthened her writing skills. She has enjoyed writing since she was young, explaining, “What I enjoy about writing is how it lets me express my ideas and thoughts into a story.” Through expanded curriculum options and elective courses at Visions, Fiori has had the opportunity to explore new writing styles and expand her horizons as a writer. She’s also had increased support from her teacher, receiving personalized feedback that has helped her grow even more. “From my very first year at Visions, Ms. Allen has given me feedback on my writing which not only supports my creativeness but also strengthens my technical writing abilities,” she shared.

The Power of Support

Fiori has made impressive progress in her academic and personal goals since enrolling with Visions, including overcoming her struggle with test anxiety. When she used to take a test, she explained that she faced a racing heart and fear that would bring her to tears. Now, she can take tests calmly and confidently. When explaining what helped her overcome this fear, she shared, “What helped me get to this point is Visions and having supporters like Ms. Allen, my mom, and other teachers I have met in Zoom classes. They have helped me overcome my test anxiety and realize I can do anything I set my mind to.”

When asked what she would share with a student considering Visions, Fiori shared, “If you’re coming to Visions, be prepared to have the best years of schooling ever, and to meet amazing new people. Always remember to work hard and do your best. Your teachers at Visions will always have your back.”

Happy Holidays! Winter Break is December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026

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Happy Holidays! Winter Break is December 22, 2025 - January 2, 2026

Visions’ main office and Student Technology Services (STS) will be closed Monday, December 22, 2025 – Friday, January 2, 2026 for winter recess. Classes will resume on Monday, January 5, 2026. Some Enrollment and STS staff will be monitoring messages and emails during the break, but responses may be delayed.

On behalf of everyone at Visions In Education, we wish you a merry and magical holiday season!

Get to Know PLI TOSA Dina Zakaria

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Get to Know PLI TOSA Dina Zakaria

Dina Zakaria began her journey in education in 2009 while pursuing her Master’s degree at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, where she also earned her single-subject teaching credential in Earth Science and Biology. In collaboration with her professor, she helped develop science workshops for teachers, emphasizing hands-on, inquiry-based learning. After graduating, Dina spent four years teaching Accelerated Earth Science and 8th-grade Physical Science. During this time, she also served as Science Team Lead, supporting teacher collaboration and the integration of NGSS into the classroom.

In August 2023, Dina joined the Professional Learning & Innovation (PLI) Department at Visions In Education. Her early work focused on developing support materials for Integrated Math I and providing instructional coaching for IM1 teachers. In addition, she participated in evaluating curriculum vendors, supporting the implementation of new curricula, collaborating with the ELA Essential Standards Home School team, and contributing to IS Science curricular review and Essential Standards selection.

In her current role as a PLI team member, Dina designs and facilitates research-based professional learning workshops to promote student success in Visions’ unique learning environment. She also provides one-on-one coaching and is deeply invested in advancing action-based research around instructional best practices. Dina is currently pursuing her preliminary administrative credential with the goal of expanding students’ access to rigorous learning experiences and meaningful opportunities beyond high school.

Dina Zakaria and her family in Egypt

Dina Zakaria is one of the Professional Learning Team members here at Visions In Education. The Professional Learning Team provides professional learning, coaching & consultation, and instructional best practices action research to ensure all Visions educators can provide students with high levels of learning. Our team is staffed with grade level, subject matter and educator competency expertise to ensure Visions staff have access to comprehensive support. Dina is skilled in science instruction, mathematics, standards alignment, data analysis, pilot program implementation, and student advocacy.

Student Spotlight: Navigating Challenges with Grace

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Student Spotlight: Navigating Challenges with Grace

At Visions, we are proud to support all students and help them succeed in their learning journey. For Ella W., senior in the Independent Study Academy, this support was crucial in navigating their own challenges and making strides to graduate. 

Ella joined Visions two years ago as a sophomore. Prior to enrolling, Ella transitioned from traditional public school to their previous district’s online program, where they struggled due to limited teacher connection and minimal direct instruction.

In searching for a program that would provide increased support while simultaneously allowing the flexibility to navigate their unique needs, Ella and their family found Visions. “It has been like a night and day difference,” they shared. 

Finding Answers and Advocating for Others

Since childhood, Ella has struggled with joint and muscular pain, minor dislocations, balance, and fatigue. After seeing several doctors and receiving many misdiagnoses throughout the years, Ella was finally diagnosed with hypermobile type Ehlers Danlos Syndrome at 14 years old. 

Those who live with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome cannot correctly process the collagen required to keep the connective tissues found throughout the body healthy, which can lead to many difficult symptoms. “This condition sincerely changes everything about your body and goes much deeper than you can learn from a surface websearch,” Ella shared. “It impacts every function and part of your body you can think of, bones, muscles, organs, teeth, nails.”

The path to getting their official diagnosis was a difficult one, and Ella is passionate about advocating for themself and others who struggle with the disability and may not know it. “Many others go through the same experience, not knowing a life without it, not knowing their body is so different. It is more often than not a completely invisible disability that still faces stigma and lack of research,” they explained. The exact cause of the condition is still unknown, but Ella credits the work and advocacy of the non-profit organization The Ehlers Danlos Society for doing their best to teach and find treatment for those who are struggling. 

Looking to the future, Ella is passionate about entering the medical field and understanding more about the complex parts of the human body. After graduating from Visions, Ella plans to enter Sierra College’s general Allied Health program for dental hygiene, and down the road aspires toward a master’s degree in social work. 

The Power of Support

Coming to Visions, Ella found the flexibility and support needed to be successful in school while navigating their disability, as well as the loss of their mother.

“I have felt consistently supported by [my teacher and counselor] academically and emotionally throughout my years at Visions. I have had Mrs. Ellman and Ms. Rosales in my corner through everything to help me understand what I need to do to move forward with my education,” they shared. 

“They have been able to navigate [unique challenges] with strength and grace. Despite the odds, Ella will graduate from high school on time with good grades,” said Mrs. Ellman, Ella’s teacher.

On top of finding success educationally, Ella has had the opportunity to grow personally by exploring their interests, including reading new and classic literature, doing archery, playing video games, and learning new languages. They also worked through Visions’ Enrichment Vendors to start on their driver’s education without the pressure of costs and applications. 

When asked what advice they would share with someone considering Visions, Ella stated:

“I truly do not think I would be graduating this year, on time, without Visions and their help. Before I enrolled, I considered dropping out [with] the fear that I’d never make it, but younger me has been proven completely wrong. It would be my first recommendation to anyone looking for an alternative education for any reason at all.”

Feeling Merry & Bright: A Look Back at 2025 Learning Period 4 Events!

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Feeling Merry & Bright: A Look Back at 2025 Learning Period 4 Events!

‘Tis the events season! During Learning Period 4, Visions students enjoyed engaging, educational, and festive activities that highlighted both fun and learning!

In the Home School Academy, students laced up their skates for roller skating and ice skating, enjoying the movement and motion of this merry season activity!

Meanwhile, high school students explored opportunities in both academics and career development. They visited the Aerospace Museum, where they delved into the history and technology of flight, and participated in the College & Career Fair, gaining valuable insights into future educational and professional pathways. Additionally, students toured the Sierra Sacramento Valley Museum of Medical History, expanding their understanding of the medical field through a hands-on and historical perspective.

And of course, we can’t forget our high school Winter Formal! Check out the recap here!

More Events Coming in the New Year!

Across all academies, students were able to connect learning to fun, building skills, knowledge, and memories that extend far beyond the virtual classroom. Thank you staff for planning these opportunities, and thank you students for making them come to life!

Fire & Ice: Visions Winter Formal 2025

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Fire & Ice: Visions Winter Formal 2025

On December 12, 2025, Visions hosted a Fire & Ice Winter Formal, giving our high school Visionaries the opportunity to dress up, connect, and celebrate together for an unforgettable evening.

Held at Laguna Town Hall in Elk Grove, this year’s Winter Formal was open to all high school students and offered a meaningful chance to log off from the virtual classroom and come together in person. Students spent the night dancing with old friends, meeting new ones, and enjoying a fun-filled atmosphere designed just for them.

The venue came to life with fire and ice themed decor, complete with festive snacks and treats at themed tables. Visionaries also enjoyed pizza served by our very own Visions teachers and captured memories at the fire and ice photo backdrop and 360 photo booth. The dance floor quickly became the heart of the evening, where students gathered to dance, laugh, and make lasting memories.

A huge thank you to our Events Team for coordinating such a memorable night, and to the teachers and staff who volunteered their time to support our students. This special evening would not have been possible without your dedication to creating meaningful experiences for our Visionaries.

Check out the rest of the pictures here: Facebook Album / Flickr Album