Math teacher Jennifer Parks was voted Northwood’s 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year Wednesday, March 9.
“It’s a huge honor,” Parks said.
To be Teacher of the Year, a teacher must be first be nominated by their peers. They must then respond to an essay prompt and are then voted on by the entire faculty.
Parks first got inspired to teach when she started coaching a middle school cross-country team.
“I really liked the kids, so I decided I would go back and get my teaching degree,” Parks said
By winning the award, Parks is reminded of why she started teaching in the first place.
“It’s all about the kids and relationships with the kids,” Parks said. “It’s easy for them to get bogged down, like here’s all this paperwork and problems, and it has just reminded me to focus on what really matters.”
Many of Parks’ students enjoy having her as a teacher.
“She is really patient and makes sure all the students understand the topic before moving on,” sophomore Rachel Stoner said.
Being nominated and voted by Parks’ peers shows they think highly of her.
“It means they respect me and know what’s going on in my classroom,” Parks said.
According to assistant principal Philip Little, Parks’ positivity and energy, along with her leadership skills, are some things that made her stand out from the other teachers throughout school. These qualities also make the school better as a whole.
“Ms. Parks is a veteran teacher who cares about making the people around her better,” Little said. “This includes all that she does for her students as a teacher and for her peers as a collaborator.”
Parks has not only made an impact on her students but also on the faculty themselves.
“She challenges and encourages her students and does the same for our newest teachers,” Little said. “That makes her a role model, leader and coach for many people.”
Not only is Parks seen as a leader and role model inside of school, but she is outside as well.
“She competes in marathons, triathlons and even in our local Reindeer Run every December,” Little said. “As a result, lots of faculty member who run have gone to her for advice on training regimens, injury treatment, etcetera.”
– By Davis Palermo