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Meet the Teacher: Larissa Mahoney

Stories & Spotlights
Green Wisconsin Virtual Academy Meet the Teacher graphic featuring Larissa Mahoney's name, the WIVA logo, and a red apple.

As the 2026-2027 school year gets underway, Wisconsin Virtual Academy (WIVA) is excited to introduce one of this year’s new teachers, Larissa Mahoney. She is beginning her career teaching English 10. Get to know more about her below: 

Question 1: What are you most excited for this school year? 

  • Ms. Mahoney: I am most excited for student connections and diving into the learning material. I am very passionate about reading and having large group discussions, and I am hoping to foster strong relationships with my students so we can dive deeper into what we’re doing. The students are bright, and I know they all have so much insight to offer; I just need to make sure I create a safe space for them to feel comfortable sharing all their ideas! 

Question 2: Will this be your first time teaching in a digital setting? 

  • Ms. Mahoney: Yes, this is actually my first-year teaching in general. I just finished my student teaching in June. I was lucky enough to spend part of my student teaching at McFarland High School and the second half internationally in Luxembourg, a small country in Europe. 

Question 3: Why did you choose Wisconsin Virtual Academies? 

  • Ms. Mahoney: The idea of connecting with students who have a hard time in a traditional environment was very interesting to me. I believe one of the biggest reasons for strong classrooms is the connections with students, and I thought it could be so exciting to reach this population of students. 

Question 4: What is one thing you would like students to know about you? 

  • Ms. Mahoney: I always say I am an open book, and I think that hasn’t changed in the slightest. I am very passionate about reading and books in general and I collect them where I can find hidden gems. 
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