Grades/subjects you teach: Kindergarten
E-mail address: eparks@chatham.k12.nc.us
Date, place of birth: Oct. 9 in Sanford, but I grew up in Pittsboro.
Education: Graduated with Chatham County Schools at Northwood High School. Then went on to receive my bachelor of arts in Elementary Education.
Brief work history: I’m going into my 9th year working for Chatham County Schools as a kindergarten teacher.
Teaching honors/awards: Teacher of the Year for Pittsboro Elementary, 2019-20.
Hobbies/interests outside teaching: I’ve taught dance for the last 10 years.
Family: Married to Blaine; we have two children — son Colby and daughter Natalie, plus two dogs (Bammer & Bella).
What led you to a career as a teacher?: I knew that I always wanted to work with children and teaching seemed like the perfect career.
Has becoming a teacher been all you expected it would be?: Yes
How has teaching changed since you were a student?: Technology plays a major part in the education world. Technology opens the door to many new things for education; however, you have to find an appropriate balance.
What “makes your day” as a teacher?: I always greet my students at the door. It always makes my day when they come down the hall excited and ready to learn. We always greet with a hug or high five.
What’s working in schools today?: Building a classroom community. When you develop a strong classroom community, the students flourish. They feel at home, and become better listeners, learners, and friends.
What’s not working?: Discipline, or lack of.
What’s your favorite memory of your first year as a teacher?: My first year teaching was at Perry Harrison Elementary, and my favorite part was at the End of Year Celebration, where all the students received their certificate of completion. Their faces said it all.
How would your “teacher” persona handle you as a student?: I was a great student that always wanted to help. So, as a teacher today, I would give me lots of jobs to help out with around the classroom.
Best piece of advice for other teachers?: I feel that if you believe a child can...then they will. To always set your bar high, and to never give up. These qualities are what I try to instill in all children that I teach. It is important for them to know it’s OK to fail, because then you learn from your mistakes. It is what you take from those mistakes that help you succeed.
For students?: Same as above.
For parents?: To stay involved in your child’s education, and to give them the support and guidance they need.
If you were superintendent for a day, you’d: I have to say that I would want to give all staff a raise and hopefully the state would follow!
What about your job would surprise your non-teaching friends the most?: It would probably be the difference in what children are expected to learn now from what it used to be.
If you could somehow magically instill one truth into the heads of your students, what would it be?: I would love for them to be kind to others. We need more love and kindness in our world.
When you think about today’s kids, you: I see all the possibilities that our future holds.
If one of your students was asked for a one-word description of you by a student who hadn’t had you in class, what would that one word be?: Fun
Favorite movie about school or teaching: “Remember the Titans” or “Kindergarten Cop.”
How would you summarize your teaching philosophy?: I get to be the teacher who makes learning fun and exciting while also holding a high standard.
What five things must every teacher know?
1. Expect the unexpected
2. Be flexible
3. Teach love and kindness.
4. Be prepared.
5. Have fun!
What’s special about your classroom?: It’s a place where kids can feel at home, and learn LOTS at the same time!
What’s special about your school?: It has a great hometown feel. I went to school at Pittsboro Elementary, and now I’ve come full circle to begin teaching there.
The most unusual question you’ve ever gotten from a student?: “Do you sleep at school?”