OneSchool Global Teacher Earns Doctorate in Teacher Leadership

Cassandra Montello, a math teacher and former principal at the Ashland campus of OneSchool Global (OSG), has earned a Doctorate in Teacher Leadership. Her journey with OSG, a network of tech-centric self-directed schools affiliated with the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, spans 13 years. While she is not a member of the church, OSG’s curriculum is entirely secular. Montello began her role as a math teacher and later became campus principal, overseeing the creation of the Ashland campus. She played a key role in transitioning OSG’s structure to a distance-teaching-friendly model that connects 36 campuses across North America.

Montello’s path to education was not straightforward. Initially enrolled at Kent State University as a Sports Nutrition major, she switched to teaching education after realizing the impersonal nature of large classes contrasted with the community-focused learning she valued. She graduated and joined OSG in 2011, teaching math to grades 11 and 12 in Cleveland before the campus merged to become Ashland in 2016. From the start, she emphasized hands-on learning, personal connections, and the integration of educational technology.

Montello maintained a learner-centered approach, offering individual tutoring through OSG Tutorial sessions. She believed in applying the best instructional methods for both remedial and enrichment. When OSG expanded its video conferencing programs from 2013 to 2017, she saw an opportunity to enhance connectivity and build deeper relationships with students. Even after becoming campus principal in 2015, she continued teaching math and remained personally engaged with students.

Balancing her doctoral studies with teaching, administration, and family life has been described as “beautifully chaotic.” Montello hopes to channel her new achievement into supporting teachers and improving the student experience at Ashland. Her dedication to education and community reflects a commitment to fostering growth and connection, aligning with the values of care and service found in Micah 6:8.

Source: Read the original report