How a 7th Grade Teacher is Making Math Meaningful and Inspiring Confidence and Connection in His Online Classroom

For Cascade Virtual Academy (CVA) math teacher Brian Blanton, education isn’t just about numbers; it’s about connection. As a 7th-grade math teacher, Mr. Blanton sees every lesson as an opportunity to help students discover confidence, independence, and the “why” behind what they learn.

“I just really want my kids to enjoy their experience in school and see value from learning,” he says. “Math isn’t just about equations. It’s about learning how to think, make decisions, and manage life.”

A Journey of Service and Second Chances

Before joining CVA six years ago, Mr. Blanton’s career looked quite different. He spent over a decade in corporate operations as well as retail sales, working for companies like IBM before realizing his true calling was in helping children grow.

“I worked in corporate environments where I was just a number,” Mr. Blanton says. “When I became a teacher, I realized I could make a real difference in someone’s life.”

Inspired by his brother, who’s a longtime educator, Mr. Blanton transitioned into teaching to serve others in a more meaningful way. Today, his passion lies in guiding students through one of the most foundational subjects of all – math. His mission is to help them understand its connection to everyday life.

Building Trust and Encouraging Growth

Mr. Blanton teaches virtually from Portland, Oregon, where he now connects with students across the state, many of whom face unique challenges that make online learning a true lifeline.

“The beauty of online learning is that it reaches students who might otherwise struggle in traditional classrooms,” he explains. “It helps those dealing with bullying, health issues, or even housing instability. It gives them a safe place to learn and be themselves.”

He recalls one student who joined CVA after experiencing difficult personal circumstances. Through patience, consistency, and humor, he helped her rebuild trust and rediscover confidence in herself and her education.

“I’ve had students call me ‘Dad’ over the years,” he laughs. “It’s not because I’m trying to fill that role, it’s because I treat them like people. I listen, I care, and I look for reasons to praise them.”

Learning Through Engagement

In Mr. Blanton’s virtual classroom, math is anything but routine. He designs activities that challenge students to think critically and make learning fun.

One of his favorites is the “Around the Room” activity, where students tackle interactive math problems collaboratively between minutes 29 and 41 of class time. Another, called “Tiered Problems,” offers students varying levels of difficulty on one slide, encouraging them to challenge themselves at their own pace.

Creating a Culture of Respect and Responsibility

Mr. Blanton’s approach is rooted in empowerment. He frequently reminds his students that they are in charge of their own choices. Whether it’s deciding to participate in a game or solving a tricky equation, he encourages accountability and self-motivation.

“Do I have to play?” a student once asked during a game.
 “I can’t make you do anything,” he replied. “It’s your choice, you’re in charge of your choices.”

That philosophy has become the cornerstone of his teaching. It’s about showing students that learning, and life in general, are full of choices, and confidence comes from taking ownership of them.

A Team Built on Trust

After years in both corporate and classroom settings, Mr. Blanton says he’s never worked in an environment as supportive as CVA.

As CVA continues to grow, Mr. Blanton remains inspired by the school’s mission and the resilience of its students.

“They’re learning to adapt, to think critically, and to face challenges with courage,” he says. “That’s what education is all about and I’m proud to be part of it.”

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