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Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Dhee-Ghee Palmer – Bringing Media & Arts to Life in Virtual Classrooms

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For many, the arts and media thrive in hands-on, in-person environments. But for Dhee-Ghee Palmer, a high school Art, Design & Technology teacher at Cascade Virtual Academy, the challenge of teaching these subjects in a digital classroom is an opportunity for innovation.

Dhee-Ghee has spent her career proving that creativity knows no boundaries—even in an online setting. Through her engaging courses, she fosters a dynamic virtual learning experience where students not only develop technical skills but also build confidence, leadership, and a passion for storytelling.

Empowering Students Through Journalism

One of Dhee-Ghee’s most impactful contributions to online education is her Advanced-Level Magazine Publication course, which she pioneered in 2022. This innovative program goes beyond traditional media studies, empowering students to become skilled communicators, storytellers, and media professionals. The course’s mission is to cultivate a community of listeners, messengers, and publishers who amplify student voices and strengthen connections across their online school.

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At the heart of this initiative is The Sensible Yeti , a student-led digital magazine that serves three Oregon-based virtual schools powered by K12:

Through The Sensible Yeti, students take on editorial roles, write articles, design layouts, and manage digital content—mirroring the structure of professional publications. The experience equips them with valuable real-world skills in journalism, media production, and collaborative teamwork, all within the unique context of virtual education.

Leading the First-Ever Virtual Media Workshop

Beyond the magazine, Dhee-Ghee continuously seeks ways to engage her students in hands-on, real-world applications of media and arts. Just last month, her students took on an ambitious project: hosting a first-of-its-kind school-wide virtual media workshop.

This groundbreaking event, entirely student-led, featured breakout sessions on editorial writing, layout design, public speaking, and time management. The workshop engaged 88 students and staff, demonstrating the leadership, collaboration, and technical skills that Dhee-Ghee has instilled in her students.

By guiding her students to take ownership of their learning, Dhee-Ghee is not just teaching media and arts—she’s helping shape the next generation of content creators, journalists, and communicators. She has had the opportunity to present her courses and her student’s designs in San Antonio, TX and Louisville, KY at the National Art Education Association Convention and has been a judge for the K12 National Art Competition and NAHS National Art Competition.

Expanding Access to the Arts in Online Education

While journalism is a major focus of her work, Dhee-Ghee is equally passionate about expanding access to the arts in virtual education. She believes that art is a powerful tool for self-expression and community building, and she has worked tirelessly to ensure that online students have the same opportunities as their in-person peers.

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One of her most exciting projects involves connecting students with real-world art exhibitions. Recently, she facilitated her students’ involvement in the U.S. National Parks Oregon Caves National Monument event at the Grants Pass Museum of Art, giving them a chance to showcase their creativity on a broader stage. The exhibit was even features in the Grants Pass Daily Courier.

Recognizing the importance of fostering artistic leadership, Dhee-Ghee also launched a National Art Honor Society Club at her school in 2022. This prestigious organization provides high-achieving students with opportunities to develop their artistic talents, take on leadership roles, and collaborate on meaningful creative projects.

Redefining Arts & Media in Virtual Learning

Dhee-Ghee has redefined how media, arts, and leadership are taught in an online setting, proving that virtual classrooms can be just as engaging, interactive, and impactful as traditional schools. Her students are not just learning about media and arts—they are applying their skills in real-world projects, leading initiatives, and developing the confidence to shape the future of digital storytelling.

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