Beyond the Classroom: Building Community at Brilliant Microschools

Host Patrick Tzakalako(Director of Admissions and Partnerships at Brilliant Microschools) interviews Brilliant Microschools’ Director of Student Engagement, Katie Campos, about creating connection and belonging in a virtual school.

Katie shares her six-year journey from first-time classroom teacher to a role that fits her personality, and outlines how she supports students and families through virtual afterschool events, clubs, family gatherings, a parent Facebook forum, city-based Zoom meetups, WhatsApp groups, and in-person field trips.

She describes the behind-the-scenes research and constant innovation required to keep events fresh, highlights favorite trips (Atlanta aquarium; next Los Angeles Science Center), and explains how remembering students and personal check-ins help them feel seen and succeed academically.

Katie discusses a shy student’s confidence turnaround, key traditions (pumpkin and gingerbread showdowns), her goal to end stigma about virtual students’ socialization, and plans to expand graduation experiences, including aiming to join an in-person grad night in Orlando.

Timestamps:

00:00 Why Field Trips Matter
00:21 Welcome and Meet Katie
01:15 Katie’s Journey at BMS
02:35 From Teacher to Engagement
04:03 How Community Gets Built
05:14 Behind the Scenes Work
07:33 In-Person Field Trips
09:57 What Engagement Really Means
12:22 Small Moves Big Impact
13:45 Engagement Boosts Academics
15:01 A Student Confidence Story
17:07 Must Do BMS Traditions
19:28 Ending the Virtual Stigma
21:45 Rapid Fire Fun
23:38 Dream Field Trip Cruise
25:16 Advice and Next Year Plans
27:51 Final Thanks and Wrap Up