Who We Are
Jessica Stanley
Contact Me
jessica.stanley@austin.k12.mn.us
What I Teach:
9 - 12 Science
Get to Know Me:
My name is Jessica Stanley and I have been a teacher for 19 years, 9 of which have been here in Austin. I love teaching and I am excited to get to know my AOA students and families! I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Aquatic Biology from Bemidji State University, a Masters in Teaching and a K-12 Principal License, both from Hamline University. When I am not teaching you can find me gardening or tending to my bees and chickens with my husband and our two daughters.
I am looking forward to sharing my love of science with my students and engaging them in the world around them. Teaching and learning online offers many opportunities for flexibility, exploration, and creativity. I am excited to help students learn about their environment and show that learning can happen anywhere and at anytime! I am really looking forward to connecting with each one of my students to help support them through their high school education and make sure they are prepared for their next chapter in life!
Arik Andersen
Contact Me:
arik.andersen@austin.k12.mn.us
What I Teach:
9 - 12 English
Get to Know Me:
My name is Arik Christian Andersen, and I have been a teacher for 20 years. I have BS in Elementary Education and a MA in English – TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language), both from MNSU Mankato. Along with teaching at APS, I have been involved in football, track and field, volleyball, robotics, Project E3 and knowledge bowl. I also am a previous APS teacher of the year.
In education I have enjoyed learning to teach people of various ages, subjects, and language abilities. I work hard to connect students’ learning from where they have been to where they are now and the future.
I am excited for the new learning that Austin Online Academy will be, both for myself and my fantastic future students. Having lived in other countries, I understand the challenges that come from learning new systems, new people, and all that goes with it. I cannot wait to encourage, learn with, and challenge my future students. LET'S GO!!!
Megan Nelson
Contact Me:
What I Teach:
9-12 Math
Get to Know Me:
I have taught both middle and high school math for the past seven years. During that time, I have earned a B.S. in Mathematics Teaching and M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with a Technology Integration Certificate from St. Cloud State University.
I live in Rochester, MN with my husband, son, and two cats. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy drinking tea, listening to audiobooks, and running. I consider myself a lifelong learner and enjoy opportunities where I can grow my perspective and broaden my horizons.
I’m excited to teach online and create an exceptional and rewarding learning experience for every student. I look forward to making connections and including each student’s unique perspective in my classroom. We will use technology to gain a global and local perspective on how math affects our daily lives. This is an opportunity for us to grow in our understanding of mathematics and its power to make change in our lives.
Liz Blinn
Contact Me:
What I Teach:
9 - 12 Social Studies
Get to Know Me:
My name is Liz Blinn, and I have been a teacher for 11 years. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Social Studies Education and an Masters of Education in Instructional Design and Technology. Originally hailing from northern MN, I moved to the Austin community ten years ago to start my teaching career. Every year since then it has been an utter joy to work with the students of this community, and a privilege to watch them grow into young adults. When I am not teaching, you can find me hanging with my dog River, exploring the outdoors, thrift shopping, spending time with friends and family & bingeing the occasional TV hit.
Technology offers so many opportunities for creativity and innovation, and I am eager to harness these characteristics into creative, engaging, real-life- relevant curriculum that students find truly representative of themselves. Most importantly, I am excited to teach online so that I can support and advocate for students wherever they are at- both literally and figuratively. I look forward to being a part of all forms of online content, connection, and community with the AOA!
Jessica Cabeen
Contact Me:
jessica.cabeen@austin.k12.mn.us
What I DO:
Austin Online Academy Principal
Get to Know Me:
I am really excited to be the Principal of Austin Online Academy! I will be here to help, support and celebrate the incredible accomplishments each of you will be achieving this year.
This will be my 16th year in the Austin Public Schools. Most recently I was the Woodson Kindergarten Principal, Ellis Principal and now graduating to join fellow scholars in grades 9-12. You can find me at most AHS Events cheering on former students and now current Austin Online Academy Students.
Having the chance to redesign learning to meet the needs students, while supporting students in whatever post-secondary plan they want to accomplish is an honor and an exciting opportunity.