Dr. Allison Powell is the former Vice President for State and District Services/New Learning Models of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL), which provides expertise and leadership in K-12 Blended, Online, and Competency-based Learning.
Allison has been working in the field of online learning for over 25 years, having taught in both face-to-face and online K-8 environments. She started her career as an elementary school teacher in brick and mortar schools and then transitioned to a K-8 hybrid teacher and instructional technologist for Odyssey Charter Schools in Las Vegas, NV. After teaching in a hybrid environment, the Clark County School District asked her to help start the Virtual High School in the fifth largest school district in the country. In her role as an administrator for the program, she helped train teachers, build courses, oversee technology and educate leaders on the benefits of online learning. Allison was charged with starting an online professional development program for the school district to allow all administrators, teachers, and district staff to meet their training needs in a more flexible environment.
While working as the VP at iNACOL, Allison helped write the National Standards for Quality and several other reports to expand and improve the field of K-12 online, blended and competency-based learning.
Allison regularly shares her expertise in K-12 online education by speaking at various education and policy meetings and events around the world. She has served on several boards for various schools and organizations. Allison completed her doctorate in educational technology and leadership from Pepperdine University.
When she’s not diving into the latest digital learning trends, you can find her on the golf course (as long as it’s not 200 degrees in Arizona!), catching a few laps in the pool, swimming, snorkeling, or diving in a new body of water while exploring a new country. A former Division 1 golfer and true crime TV junkie, she’s also an avid reader—and is writing a book filled with the wildest travel mishaps and unexpected adventures from her journeys!