Chaos Raised Me, Teaching Saved Me, Coffee Keeps Me Going
The Virtual Vibe: Success and Sanity for the Online Teacher
October 13, 2025
Who is Desire’ Mosser? She’s an educator of nearly 30 years, 20 of those spent in online education. She has taught Pre-K through 12th grade students and adults. She has been an instructional trainer for 13 years, helping other educators grow, innovate, and survive this challenging job.
She grew up in Florida and was the first in her family to graduate college. She has been married for almost 25 years and has two boys she adores. But she also grew up in a household full of uncertainty. She never knew what tomorrow would bring or if it would include cleaning up after a late-night party where drugs and alcohol were involved. She did not have friends spend the night because she was scared of what they might see. She saw things that left a lasting mark on her heart.
She became an educator because of the teachers who poured into her life. She remembers the teacher who patiently taught her to tie her shoes every day. She remembers the teacher who was genuinely excited to see her walk through the door. She remembers the teacher who encouraged her to get on stage and act like someone else, providing a brief escape from a reality she did not always control.
Here is the thing: those teachers did not know her story. They could not have known because she had been taught to keep it a secret. And yet, their efforts mattered more than they could have imagined. They unknowingly helped her survive by noticing her, checking in, and showing care, even without knowing what was happening behind the curtain.
Desire was the student who quietly showed up, paid attention, and never caused trouble. She thrived because someone said, “I see you.” Even a quick text message to a student or colleague, a simple check-in, can make a world of difference. Relationships matter. Without them, we may never know the stories of those around us.
No matter what your current role is or where you work, everyone has a story. You have the power to affect how the future chapters are written. In your classrooms, teams, or organizations, you might not witness it, but every word, every check-in, every moment of care is leaving a mark that could change a life forever.
3 Ways to Make a Lasting Impact
Check In, Even Briefly
Send a quick text, email, or message to a student or colleague. Even a small “How’s it going?” or “I noticed your effort on this project” can leave a lasting impression. Consistent, small gestures often mean more than big, occasional actions.Be Present and Attentive
Notice the small details: how someone participates, their body language, or changes in mood. Simply acknowledging what you see lets people know they are seen, heard, and valued, even if you do not know their full story.Encourage Risk-Taking and Growth
Create opportunities for others to try new things, take small risks, and step outside their comfort zone. Celebrate effort, curiosity, and progress as much as achievement. Your support can empower someone to write the next chapter of their story in ways they did not think possible.
It is you who can make a life-changing impact on where someone goes next, what they do, and who they become, even on the days it feels like no one is paying attention.
About the Author
With over 20 years in education - most of them spent in the virtual trenches - Desire’ Mosser has done more than survive online teaching; she’s helped others thrive in it! As the author of SOS: Strategies for Online Survival, she dishes out practical tools, honest lessons, and just the right amount of humor to keep educators going.
Former Pasco eSchool Teacher of the Year and Florida Virtual Schools Mentor of the Year, she continues to champion excellence in virtual learning today. She currently serves as Vice President of B.O.L.D. (Blended Online Learning Discovery of Florida). Her passion? Coaching educators to find their stride, build meaningful connections with students and families, and master the art of scheduling for sanity—preferably with a strong cup of coffee in hand. For more real talk, useful tips, and the occasional caffeine-fueled confession, connect with her on LinkedIn.
