Teacher Spotlight: Victoria Grogan – Veteran and National Board-Certified Mathematics Interventionist 

With credentials that tell a story of dedication, rigor, and excellence, teacher Victoria Grogan’s journey to West Virginia Virtual Academy is anything but ordinary. Her story reflects resilience, service, lifelong learning, and a relentless pursuit of excellence—and that is precisely what makes Grogan a powerful educator who benefits students across the state in a virtual setting. 

Service to Education 

Grogan started her path to education 16 years ago, while serving the country in the West Virginia Air National Guard. 

“I held my hand up and said an oath to my county to serve in the West Virginia Air National Guard way back in 2001,” she said. “I discovered a love of education before I went to boot camp.” 

As Grogan balanced coursework with service, she found a rhythm of discipline and determination that never left her. 

“I aspired to rank as fast as possible while gaining college credits,” she said. “Classwork and combat boots became an equal trade-off of time.” 

She worked tirelessly and completed a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education and an Associate’s in Logistics through the Air National Guard, all while raising her daughter. Once she finished being a student herself, Grogan found Princeton Middle School in West Virginia and made that her home for over a decade. In 2019, she became an Air Force Veteran with honorable retirement after serving the country for 18 years. 

A Drive for Excellence 

During her time at Princeton Middle School, Grogan earned her Master’s in Secondary Administration and moved to West Virginia Virtual Academy in 2025. Still, Grogan felt a pull to continue advancing professionally and personally. 

“I could feel myself becoming stagnant, slowing down, and going back to school did not help,” Grogan said. “So, I began searching for somewhere where I could grow, appreciate, and have upward mobility.” 

That search led her to the most rigorous teaching credential in the nation: National Board Certification. The process can take one to five years depending on the individual and is based on four components: content knowledge, differentiation in instruction, teaching practice and learning environment, and effective and reflective practitioner. 

“I found that the National Board-Certified Teachers were the best in the country,” Grogan said. “This process that has been created by teachers is the most rigorous, relevant, and impactful experience you will ever undertake if you choose the mission.” 

While some parts were difficult for Grogan, it was extremely rewarding. 

“The most challenging part for me was writing about instructional decisions I would make to positively impact students based on non-verbal communication during lessons,” Grogan said. “But the rewards are far better than the struggles.” 

On the journey to complete her certification, Grogan watched her students blossom as well. 

“My top achieving student had a growth of 191%!” Grogan said. “I found out how to be a better teacher while helping my students become better learners.” 

The process reshaped her instruction, reflection process, and impact. 

“It will change you,” Grogan said. “Butterflies don’t transform this much, because butterflies don’t teach.” 

Why Virtual Education and WVVA 

Today, Grogan brings that nationally recognized expertise to West Virginia Virtual Academy, where she works as a Mathematics Interventionist – proving that excellence in teaching is not confined to walls.  

“These six months I have discovered more growth and innovation opportunities than I have in seven years of brick-and-mortar,” she said. 

She highlights the flexibility, accountability, and professional renewal that virtual education offers – not just for students, but for educators. 

“WVVA has renewed my sense of belonging and purpose,” Grogan said. “Challenging opportunities are provided for growth while I am appreciated and inspired once again.” 

Grogan’s story reflects what WVVA stands for: highly qualified, National Board-Certified teachers who are equipped to deliver exceptional instruction in a virtual environment. Her journey is proof that when expertise, reflection, and innovation meet, students thrive no matter where learning takes place. 

Learn More About WVVA’s Qualified Teachers and Commitment to Excellence  

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