DMPS Names New Director of Virtual Campus
Jon Mendoza named Director of Virtual Campus.
Des Moines Public Schools offers an online high school campus to help meet the unique educational needs of each and every learner. The district has named Jon Mendoza director of the DMPS Virtual Campus.
Jon Mendoza began his career as an elementary school teacher at Van Meter Elementary School in Van Meter, IA, where he constructed enrichment groups to drive personalized, differentiated learning and integrated technology in all subject areas. From there he became the K-12 Technology Integrationist for Van Meter. Mendoza was also a 3rd grade teacher in Pella, IA, and a high school wrestling coach in each district. Since coming to DMPS in the Summer of 2018, Mendoza has served as the Digital Literacy and Online Learning manager, a well as the Virtual Campus manager where he helped launch the pilot online school, managing personnel, systems development and recruitment.
Mendoza holds Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Central College in Pella. He earned his Master in Education Administration from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa.
“I’m honored to take on the role of director at the DMPS Virtual Campus,” Mendoza said. “My goal is to flip the traditional model, and fit school around student’s unique life situations, so each and every learner in DMPS and throughout the state has the same access to a rigorous, quality education as students in a traditional setting.”
The new program puts a high school diploma within reach for even more students, and with its official launch on Aug. 28, has a current enrollment of more than 200 students.
“Jon Mendoza is helping us meet students where they are and moving them toward success,” Superintendent Dr. Thomas Ahart said. “DMPS recognizes not every high school student can thrive in a traditional classroom setting. Virtual Campus is committed to ensuring equitable access and outcomes for each learner.”
For more information about Virtual Campus – including a list of classes and how to enroll – please visit the Virtual Campus section of the DMPS website.
