Karen F. Parsons, is a Magna Cum Laude Salisbury University graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.  In her seven years of teaching she has established herself as an exemplary master educator.  She works collaboratively with staff and families to educate the whole child, engaging them in multi-sensory learning activities which are research-based, maintaining high expectations and guiding them through service learning activities.

How has the way you teach changed over the course of your career?  What lessons have you learned?

I believe my teaching has changed greatly over the last seven years.  Like our students, we are learners.  I am always learning new techniques and applying new strategies in my classroom.  When I began teaching I relied heavily on the teacher’s manual and seemed more judgmental of my practices.  Now, I am very reflective and rarely depend on the manuals.  My instruction is standards-based and data driven.  I am more of a risk taker now than I was seven years ago because I am confident in my abilities and frequently participate in professional development and leadership opportunities.  My instruction is now differentiated and I work primarily with the special education population in our school.  I also use a variety of software and technology in my classroom.  

What advice would you give to a teacher who’s starting their first year and feels overwhelmed?

The first thing I would tell new teachers is to believe in yourself and your abilities.  Take your time and always remember your purpose.  You are not alone, nor are you expected to know everything.  Use resources, approach colleagues, ask questions, take notes, and request assistance!  Connect with both your students and their parents.  Always be positive.  There are so many things that you can teach a child that will never appear in a textbook, so don’t be overwhelmed by your role in the classroom.  Instead, be excited by your potential to make a difference.    

What role does technology play in your teaching?  What are the strengths and weaknesses?

I use various technologies in my classroom on a daily basis to enhance the delivery of my instruction and provide hands-on and engaging activities for my students.  We use laptops and handheld computers with keyboards and beamable printer to write journals, study vocabulary, practice mental math skills, construct responses, and generate projects.  I have a computer center in my classroom that allows students to work independently or cooperatively to research projects, complete webquests, and practice skills.  Using technology allows you to appeal to a variety of learning styles.  It makes differentiating instruction easier and prepares students to be productive members of our community because understanding technology is crucial in our society.  The main weakness in using technology would be the fact that it is unpredictable.  You never know if the network will go down in the middle of a lesson or what type of troubleshooting you might have to do throughout the lesson. 

How do you involve the community in your classroom?

Having a strong connection to the community is crucial for a successful classroom.  I work very hard to establish strong bonds with parents, community organizations, and businesses.  One connection that I have made with the community stems from a schoolyard habitat project that a colleague and I established at our school.  We now have a partnership with the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury and have constructed a meadow at our school and a rain garden at the museum.  I currently have mentors in my classroom through the Wicomico County Mentoring Project.  This year we established a partnership with the local university football team to implement our TV Turnoff activities.  From this partnership, football players volunteer their time as mentors, tutors, and guest speakers.  Through our Junior Achievement Program, I have invited business representatives into my classroom.. Not only do these individuals talk to my students about the business world, but they come back later in the year to participate in our Career Day activities.  I also invite parents into my classroom as presenters, volunteers, and guests. 

Working closely with the community is very important and when community members are actively involved in our classrooms, they have a better understanding of public education.