Teacher Spotlight: Empowering Students Through Peer Leadership  

Meet Jennifer Scott! Jennifer is a proud Southern Colorado native and is in her second year teaching at Destinations Career Academy of Colorado. With 10 years of experience in teaching math and a passion for leadership, Jennifer’s background includes a BS in Mathematics from Colorado State University-Pueblo, a minor in Leadership Studies, and two master’s degrees in Instructional Design and Educational Leadership from Western Governors University. 

Jennifer’s love for education extends beyond the virtual classroom. She enjoys showing students how math applies to real-life scenarios, emphasizing the importance of critical math skills. Outside of teaching, she’s an adventurer at heart, spending much of her free time hiking, fishing, and exploring Colorado’s beauty with her husband and two sons. Her passion for leadership and education became the perfect foundation for the newly launched Peer Leadership Program at Destinations Career Academy of Colorado. 

What Sets Destinations Career Academy of Colorado Apart? 

For Jennifer, the school’s strength lies in its diversity and adaptability. Destinations Career Academy of Colorado attracts students from various backgrounds and regions, offering them alternative paths to success. The online education model allows families to balance academics with activities like sports while supporting students facing anxiety or health issues. This collaborative and personalized approach fosters a supportive environment for all learners, which was one of the reasons Jennifer was inspired to launch the Peer Leadership Program. 

The Birth of the Peer Leadership Program 

The idea for the Peer Leadership Program took shape when Destinations Career Academy of Colorado’s principal approached Jennifer, suggesting a peer-to-peer support system. After brainstorming with colleagues and piecing together the program’s structure, Jennifer stepped up to lead the initiative. 

Program Highlights: 

• Weekly scheduled meetings with open lines of as-needed communication to foster leadership amongst the teens, supplemented by a text chain for relevant group communication as needed. 
• A focus on developing leadership skills while boosting students’ resumes. 
• Peer-to-peer support sessions to help classmates stay on track academically. 

“Our administration is incredibly supportive,” says Jennifer. “If I need an extra set of hands, they are always ready to provide it.” 

Mission and Structure of the Peer Leadership Program 

The Peer Leadership Program is designed to empower Destinations Career Academy of Colorado students by giving them opportunities to: 

• Take control of their learning. 
• Gain leadership skills. 
• Make meaningful contributions to their school and community at large. 

Key Projects and Goals: 

• Student-Produced News Broadcasts: The group has already released their first bi-weekly news episode on YouTube here, featuring: 
• Shoutouts for students and staff. 
• Reports on statewide events like Comic-Cons. 
• A spotlight on school activities and clubs. 
• Peer Support Sessions: Members provide tutoring and class help, ensuring no student feels overwhelmed. 
• Community Engagement: Plans for next semester include inviting guest speakers to discuss leadership skills and organizing team-building activities, such as a ropes course in Castle Rock. 

The Students: Future Leaders in the Making 

Becoming part of the Peer Leadership Program required an application process. While all of the students share the load of the projects and rotate responsibilities,  they had to formally apply to see if their responses were aligned with the goals for the program based on Jennifer and the Principal’s feedback. Although additional interviews for this first year were not required, in the future, it may be a part of the interview process as the program continues to develop.  

For the 2024-25 school year, five dedicated students are in the Peer Leadership Program. These students work closely with Jennifer to collaborate on projects, develop a balanced schedule for events and initiatives that interest them, and ultimately share responsibilities without overloading anyone. 

Supporting Teachers and Students Alike 

Destinations Career Academy of Colorado’s structure supports both teachers and students, enabling innovative programs like the Peer Leadership Group. For Jennifer, it allows her to balance teaching math and leading the new program seamlessly. She credits the school’s administration for fostering an environment where teachers can innovate and grow. 

“The online setting serves us well,” Jennifer explains. “It’s more fluid, and we’re able to connect students from all corners of the state.” 

Looking Ahead 

The Peer Leadership Program is just beginning and the future looks bright. With plans for community engagement, expanded peer support, and leadership development opportunities, the program aims to create a lasting impact at Destinations Career Academy of Colorado. Jennifer Scott and her students are proving that strong connections and leadership can thrive even in a virtual setting. 

Learn more about who we are and the benefits of enrolling at Destinations Career Academy of Colorado when you visit us at About our School.