Dr. Kim Abel

Dr. Kim Abel serves as Head of School at Optima Academy Online (OAO), a pioneering virtual reality K-12 and growing school. Passionate about cultivating rich and rewarding thinking among students and faculty, Kim brings to the role a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Utah State University, a Master’s in Education from William Carey University, and National Board Teacher Certification, and a Ed.D. in Learning and Leadership Organizations from Vanderbilt University. Kim’s dedication to educational excellence and continual learning is unwavering.

Driven by a commitment to finding effective ways to support students in reaching their educational goals, Kim actively promotes diversifying education to meet varied student needs and lifestyles. She leverages technology, particularly virtual reality, to enhance classroom instruction, guiding teachers to innovative applications of immersive learning experiences.

Kim’s expertise has been instrumental as a Teacher Consultant for the South Mississippi Writing Project and has influenced the National Writing Project. Her contributions as a classroom instructor garnered state-wide recognition culminating in state recognition awards. Additionally, Kim is a published author through the Waterford Institute. Continually working to elevate student learning, Kim challenges herself and her colleagues at OAO to push the boundaries of educational excellence. Her vision is to make quality education accessible to all students.