2 weeks Ago
DEXTER, MI – Dexter schoolteacher Kelly Parachek wears a lot of hats. After beginning her teaching career in the 1990s, she took a break before returning to the classroom in Dexter Community Schools in 2010. Now, the lover of students’ “aha!” moments is a fifth-grade coordinator and classroom teacher at Creekside Intermediate School and co-chair of its student council.
“My favorite part is the relationships with students,” Parachek said. “Watching them grow not only academically but personally, seeing them overcome challenges, and knowing I played a part in that — it’s incredibly fulfilling. I love all my kiddos.
” On student council, Parachek said she and her teaching partner Sharon Norris oversee kids work on projects, such as fundraising for the Barn Sanctuary in Chelsea. Currently, she said, they were working on the end-of-year sendoff the Creekside Cruise for the sixth-grade students “We also run the Creekside school store every Friday before school,” Parachek said. “I also co-chair the kitchen garden program here at Creekside,” she added.
“Alongside Francie Wesorick and Kirsten Korff, we work with the students in various cooking and gardening projects in and outside of the school day. We have a big plant sale coming up on Saturday, May 17, to help fund our program. We will be selling vegetable and herb plants grown in the greenhouse by our fifth- and sixth-graders.
” Parachek recently recounted her background and teaching experience with MLive/The Ann Arbor News, as well as what moments in her career stand out so far. Ann Arbor News: What can you tell us about your background and experience thus far or before you arrived at your current school? Kelly Parachek: I began my teaching career in 1997 at a multi-age school within the Lincoln Consolidated School District. After taking a brief hiatus to raise my children, I returned to the classroom, where I have had the privilege of teaching students across all grade levels, from kindergarten through sixth grade.
Throughout my journey, my passion for learning and helping others has been the driving force behind my commitment to education. Over the years, I’ve held various roles in different schools, and each experience has contributed to my growth as an educator. These opportunities have shaped my teaching philosophy and continue to influence the way I approach my work today.
AAN: Was there a specific experience that inspired you to get into the field of education? Parachek: What really drew me to education was an experience early on when I realized just how much of an impact a teacher can have on someone’s life. I was lucky enough to have had some amazing teachers who truly believed in me, and that kind of support stayed with me. I wanted to be that person for someone else — someone who encourages, believes in them and helps them reach their potential.
I was very fortunate to have many teachers that made an impact on me. Some of my favorites were teachers that took the time to get to know me and my interests. AAN: What about teaching called to you? Parachek: Teaching, for me, is all about the connection.
It’s not just about delivering information; it’s about seeing those ‘aha’ moments, when a student grasps something for the first time. It’s those moments of growth and understanding that make teaching so special. I am always looking for ways to connect with our students.
The most effective way is to spend time listening to them. It is important for kids to feel heard and that their voices matter. AAN: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an educator, or in what ways would you say you’ve most evolved? Parachek: One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is adapting to how quickly technology is changing the way kids learn and interact.
With so many digital tools out there, it’s a balancing act to use tech in a way that enhances learning without distracting from it. Over time, I’ve become more tech-savvy and learned to incorporate it creatively in the classroom. Technology has definitely transformed how students collaborate and engage, and while it’s a constant learning process, it’s rewarding to see how it boosts their involvement.
AAN: Is there a moment in your career that stands out as particularly rewarding? Parachek: A rewarding moment that stands out? Definitely when a student who had been struggling for a long time finally gets it. You see that spark in their eyes, and it’s like everything clicks. That’s why I do this.
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