Principal Welcome

Welcome to Odyssey Academy of Virtual Learning! My name is Samantha Behnke, and I serve as the principal for grades 4K-8. I live in Oshkosh with my husband and our two daughters. I have been in the field of education since 2014, with experience as a 3-5 project based learning teacher, middle school literacy teacher and a middle school instructional coach. I  hold a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Evansville (2014) and a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Marian University (2019). I am passionate about supporting student, families, and educators in a virtual learning environment and am proud to be a part of the Odyssey team.

I am married with two children and two dogs. My wife is an 8th Grade Reading Teacher at Ripon Middle School. In addition to this role, I will continue to serve in the capacity of Ripon High School's Assistant Principal and Athletic Director. I came to Ripon in 2023 from Randolph High School where I served as their 6-12 Activities Director, 6-12 Health and Physical Education Teacher, and Strength and Conditioning Coordinator. Prior to Randolph I worked at White Lake School District serving as the District Athletic Director, PK-12 Health and Physical Education Teacher, and Coach. I graduated with my bachelor's degree in Physical and Health Education, while earning certifications in Strength and Conditioning and Coaching from Northern Michigan University. I earned my master's degree from Cardinal Stritch University where I majored in K-12 Educational Leadership, which provided me with the opportunity to obtain my principal and director of curriculum licenses.