Mrs. Keri Parker is a new tenth-grade English teacher. She recently moved from Ohio to Virginia Beach.
- What inspired you to become a teacher?
I was inspired to become a teacher through the impact my teachers made on me when I was in school. I spent all day, every day at school, and they all shaped me into who I am today. I teach with the mindset that students are the future, and through teaching them to real-world skills/traits like responsibility and kindness, I am setting them up for success after high school.
- What is your favorite part about teaching?
My favorite part about teaching is interacting with students through a subject that is near and dear to my heart. I love reading and all things English, so I love that I get to share my excitement with them about different stories, authors, texts, etc.
- Do you have any hobbies? If so, what are they, and how did you get into them?
I currently have a few hobbies. I like to cook, hike, and play video games in my free time. I got into cooking through growing up with just my mom living at home, and I would cook both our meals every night. Being outdoors is something I enjoy a lot, and when I moved to Virginia, I was so excited to see that there are a lot of trails and hiking spots within a reasonable distance. Nature is a really beautiful thing, and I find that going outside is a great way to unwind after a long day. I started playing video games with my brother when I was younger, and it is a hobby I have stuck with since. Multiplayer games like Super Smash Brothers and Mario Party are fun, but I also enjoy single player games such a The Legend of Zelda and Pokémon.
- What does your average school day look like?
My favorite thing about Salem is how involved everyone is. There is always some sort of bake sale, sports event, or music performance going on every week. It’s good that the students and faculty have created a space outside of academics for students to interact and have fun.
- Is there anything you find difficult about being a teacher? If so, what?
The hardest part of being a teacher is going home at the end of the day. There will always be things on my to-do list, and that is something I have to accept when it comes time for me to leave each day. Teachers care a lot about their students, and it’s easy to run yourself ragged trying to be the “perfect” teacher. I am learning that I am my best self when I have a full 8 hours of sleep rather than a shorter to-do list.
