Meet the First Grade Team
Laura Coffey
I studied at the State University of New York and have a degree in Elementary Education. I am certified K-6 as well as 7-12 English and Social Studies. I have two lovely children, Deanna, 18 and Bobby, 15. I love to draw, read, cook, and kayak.
Beth Ann Stevens
My name is Beth Ann Stevens and I teach first grade. I am in my third year of teaching with Agora. Before coming to Agora Cyber Charter School, I taught elementary education (K-2) in the Rose Tree Media and Wallingford Swarthmore School Districts. I also spent time in the Friends School System as a second grade teacher. This is my 15th year teaching elementary students – I LOVE teaching. Additionally, I have instructed graduate level education students at both Cabrini University and Holy Family University. I took 5 years off from education to run the Dragonfly Inn Bed and Breakfast in Juniata County, while raising my twins, Lucy and Samuel. I obtained my undergraduate degree in English and Anthropology from the University of Notre Dame. I went on to earn my Master’s of Education in Creative Arts in Learning from Lesley University. When I am not teaching I enjoy gardening, reading, walking, hiking, knitting, scrapbooking and spending time with my husband, Marty and 7 year old twins, Lucy and Samuel. Click here to check out my website: http://mrsstevensfabulousfirstgrade.weebly.com/.
Deborah LaVacca
I am starting my 4th school year with Agora as a first grade teacher. I taught Kindergarten for 6 years in a Christian brick and mortar. I have my Master's in Education from Cabrini College and my undergraduate in Elementary Education from Ohio Valley University. I love spending time with my 2 children who are 5 and 2.
Jill Shultz
My name is Jill Shultz and I am a first grade teacher. This fall, I am beginning my 1st school year with Agora. Before coming to Agora Cyber Charter School, I taught at an elementary school for two years in the Boyertown School District and for three years in the Philadelphia School District. I attended Indiana University of PA , where I obtained my degree in Elementary Education in 2002. I also earned a Master’s Degree as a Reading Specialist from Gwynedd Mercy College in 2005. Outside of Agora, I love to read, exercise , and spend time with my husband, Steve and two children, Maya (age 5) and Reid (age 3).
Beth Mulhollan
I am Beth Mulhollan. This fall, I am beginning my 6th school year with Agora Cyber Charter School. I am also serving as the “Grade Level Chair” for my first grade team. Before coming to Agora, I substitute taught for one year in the Coatesville Area School District. Outside of Agora, I teach ballet, tap and jazz to young dancers, coach cheerleading and gymnastics, and teach 4th and 5th grade Sunday School. My enthusiasm for teaching and learning grows every year. I attended Eastern University and obtained a degree in Elementary Education. I anticipate starting a Master’s Program soon in Instructional Technology. I am married to Mike and we have one daughter, Emilie, who is 3 years old. We love spending quality time together and travelling with our extended family.
Becky Winson
Hello First Grade Families! My name is Becky Winson and I am one of the first grade teachers here at Agora. I am a graduate of Kutztown University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. This will be my 4th year working in education, and my second year working at Agora. Last year I taught Kindergarten here at Agora, and this is my first year teaching first grade. I live in the Reading area with my husband Eric, who is a Family Coach here at Agora! When I am not teaching I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, running, reading, shopping, and relaxing at the beach.
Nicky Kaercher
My name is Nichole Kaercher and I teach first grade. This fall I will be beginning my 2nd year with Agora Cyber Charter School. Before coming to Agora, I substitute taught with various school districts in the Pittsburgh area. I attended California University of Pennsylvania where I obtained my degree in Elementary Education. I am currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Special Education. When I am not teaching, I love to read, draw, run and go to sporting events. I live with my dog Lucy and enjoy spending time with my family.
Beth Vargas
Welcome to the 2012/2013 school year! This is my sixth year with Agora and my second year as a first grade teacher. I live in East Norristown, PA with my husband and four children. I have three sons, Landon who is 5, Brayden is 2, and Hayden is 1 and then my daughter Brooklyn is 4. I love running, going to the beach, and spending time with my family in my spare time. I look forward to this school year and meeting so many students.
Erin Nawn
My name is Erin Nawn and I am one of the first grade teachers this year. I graduated from King’s College in May 1995 with a degree in Elementary Education. I am certified to teach both Elementary and Middle School Mathematics. I live in a quiet neighborhood in Middletown, Pennsylvania which is right outside of Philadelphia. My husband and I have three sons: Philip, Liam, and Shea. Philip is fifteen years old, Liam is fourteen years old, and Shea is eleven years old. All of my boys swim competitively year round, so when I am not teaching, I am usually at a pool! I also have 2 Boston Terriers named Sean and Molly. In my free time I like to read, swim, go to the beach, and cheer for my favorite team, the Philadelphia Phillies!
Denise Curry
I have been working in the educational field for 17 years. Eight of those years have been spent in the virtual cyber school world working with the K12 Curriculum. During my career I have worked as a classroom teacher, a daycare director, a lead teacher and currently I am an Instructional Coach at the K-1 level. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree from East Stroudsburg University. During my years working in a cyber school, I have been able to grow professionally. This was achieved by being the K-2 representative for Agora to become a Pennsylvania Department of Education SAS trainer, and representing Agora at the National Association for the Education of Young Children National Convention in Washington, D.C and Anaheim, California. I have enjoyed collaborating and partnering with other Agora teachers to improve student achievement. I reside in Moosic, Pennsylvania with my husband, Sean, 10 year old twins, Christopher and Michelle, and 7 year old daughter, Hannah. After school, I enjoy every moment of being a mom to my three children who keep me very busy!
Christy Nickerson-Little
My name is Christy Nickerson-Little and I am the first grade Reading Specialist. This fall I will be beginning my 2nd year of teaching with Agora. I attended Westminster College where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in English. I went on to receive a Master’s degree in Education from Penn State University. I reside on a farm in western Pennsylvania with my husband, Brody, and my two-year old son, Oliver. We are having fun raising a flock of 18 pet chickens! I love spending time with my family, reading good books, and working in my flower gardens.
Nikole Zurek
My name is Nikole Zurek and I am the first grade Math Specialist. I have two children, ages 3 and 1, and a dog. My husband and I live in the Pittsburgh area. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Education. Not only do I love math, but I love to read. On any given day you will find me with my nose in a book.