Meet the Founder
Alicia L. Burchell, M .Ed.
Hello there! I'm Ali Burchell, the founder, and educator behind The Virtual Classroom. I'm a certified reading specialist, instructional coach, and published author with more than 14 years of teaching experience. Teaching is my PASSION!!
I started The Virtual Classroom driven by the current reading and math proficiency statistics and the pandemic. According to the 2022 NAEP Report Card, 67% of 4th graders are below or well below in literacy and 64% of 4th graders are below or well below in mathematics. I knew that I wanted to create a positive impact on the world by using my expertise and experience to guide educators in their science of reading journey, enlightening parents on the advantages of structured literacy, promoting the implementation of best practices in schools, and delivering high-quality instruction to students.
The newest addition, Perry County Homeschool Hybrid Program, was born after discovering a need within my local community for non-traditional schooling opportunities.
I live in Millerstown, Pennsylvania with my husband, two daughters, and two Yorkies. I am a proud ASD, ADHD, dyslexia, and homeschool mom. The beach is my happy place. However, I also love the mountains and enjoy backpacking and being on a lake by boat or jet ski.
Certifications & Degrees
Masters of Education
PK-12 Reading Specialist & Instructional Coaching
Bachelor of Science in Education
K-6 Elementary & Kindergarten Education
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA
Certification Instructional Level II
Elementary Education K-6
Reading Specialist PK-12
Instructional Coaching: Literacy Emphasis Endorsement
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Publications
Digital Learning in High-Needs Schools A Critical Approach to Technology Access and Equity in PreK-12
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Chapter 13: Using Bitmoji and Google Classroom to Support Remote Literacy Instruction in High-Needs Schools
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Grimes and Burchell detail how elementary school teachers use Bitmojis to create digital classrooms and how these digital learning environments provided opportunities for engaging remote literacy instruction in high-needs, rural areas. The chapter also details how moving forward, whether in-person or remote instruction, digital classrooms, will continue to offer teachers and students alike increased opportunities to achieve and possibly surpass the outcomes experienced in traditional modes of instruction.