Placerville, Calif. — June 19, 2025 — The El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE) is proud to spotlight Rebecca Poulson, an eighth-grade teacher at Charter Home Study Academy (CHSA), for her exemplary work in education and her commitment to students, colleagues, and lifelong learning.
Poulson, who grew up in Las Vegas and now resides in Placerville with her husband and three children, joined EDCOE two years ago, drawn by its mission of continuous growth and innovation.
“I came to work for EDCOE because I loved their vision for continuous improvement and growth in education,” she said.
At CHSA’s Charles Brown campus, Poulson supports a unique and diverse student population. Many of her students came from traditional school systems in search of a more personalized environment, while others were homeschooled or facing medical challenges requiring a flexible schedule. In each case, Poulson’s goal was simple: to ensure every student felt supported and set up for success.
“I believe our 8th graders left feeling they had found a supportive home that loved them,”
One of the most impactful strategies embraced by Poulson and her colleagues has been the implementation of the PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycle.
“We’ve implemented it school-wide, in our instruction, and with our students. It requires vulnerability and flexibility, and I’m so grateful to work with a team that is all in,”
Poulson’s commitment to this process culminated in a professional highlight: presenting CHSA’s continuous improvement journey at a recent conference. She and her team shared how the process boosted student outcomes and inspired fellow educators.
“It was rewarding to help others begin their own journey of continuous improvement,”
Her leadership has not gone unnoticed. Steve Bryant, Principal of Charter Alternative Programs, emphasized her irreplaceable role.
“Becky is a vital member of CHSA, consistently embodying the core values of EDCOE through her dedication to integrity, relationships, and innovation,” “Her leadership, empathy, and service to student success make her an indispensable part of the CHSA community.”
Poulson’s character shines in every corner of her work. Known for her honest, sincere communication, she cultivates a culture of trust among students and colleagues. Her empathetic approach makes her a go-to source of support for both youth and peers, and her thirst for knowledge has made her a catalyst for continuous improvement across the school.
As a lifelong learner, Poulson exemplifies the values EDCOE seeks to champion throughout the county’s educational system. Her story is not only one of professional dedication but also a testament to the power of compassion, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of better.
