Meet Our Principal

Dr. Patty Hernandez serves as the ARISE Virtual Academy principal for the School District of Janesville. Dr. Hernandez earned her Bachelor’s degree from UW-Stout in Home Economics Education in 1994. For 18 years, Dr. Hernandez taught Family and Consumer Sciences, primarily teaching health care related courses and culinary courses. She also served as an instructional coach for three years before moving into an administrative role.

Dr. Hernandez attained her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership in 2005 from Cardinal Stritch and her Career and Technical Education Coordinator’s license from UW-Stout in 2014. Dr. Hernandez joined the District in the fall of 2016 where she served as the College and Career Readiness Coordinator for five years. In 2018 she was appointed to serve as the principal of TAGOS Leadership Academy until June of 2023 and in 2021 she served as the Assistant Principal of ARISE Virtual Academy. 

In February of 2021, Dr. Hernandez completed her Doctorate degree; her dissertation focused on skills Rock County employers need from recent high school graduates. Dr. Hernandez believes that schools should provide students with opportunities that are focused on post-secondary options.