Cameron Parker

By Laurie Lechlitner
InkFreeNews

SILVER LAKE — “When I was a student at Tippecanoe Valley High School, I thought I’d become an engineer,” stated Cameron Parker, Silver Lake. “But my plans changed once I got to college. I decided instead to become a teacher. And I was thrilled that a position opened for a special education teacher at Akron Elementary, my own community.”

Parker majored in early childhood development and elementary education at Manchester University, graduating in 2023. “I also specialized in mild intervention there,” he added. “My student teaching at Pierceton Elementary was in special education and I loved it. They are the sweetest kids ever and I enjoy working in smaller groups than an average classroom setting. My classroom consists of half the third-grade special education students and all of the fourth-grade special education students.”

He has fond memories of working with special needs students when he was at Valley. “I worked with them in the unified track program. They are so thankful for what they have. They make the most of every opportunity that comes their way.”

However, Parker admits that the special education teacher has to have a great deal of patience. “They may not learn something the first time around. They may not even learn it the 97th time around. But when they do catch on, the labor is worth it. When they finally get it and you see that light in their eyes, the time was well worth it.”

Whether he’s teaching in a special ed classroom or a traditional setting, Parker believes it’s important to build relationships first. “Every good teacher knows that students will give their best to the educators who take the time to know them. Sure, we need to know the content of what we’re teaching. But knowing the students is just as important. That way we can find ways to teach subjects in a manner that’s easy for them to understand.”

Parker has always loved kids. “I grew up in a big family with a lot of little cousins. I babysat in the summertime.”

He urges future teachers to get into the profession for the right reason. “We work long, stressful hours with not a lot of pay. If a teacher does not love what they are doing, they will not last. It’s hard work.”

One of the reasons Parker chose to teach elementary students is because of their curiosity to learn. “They’re thrilled to learn new things. They want to know and experience life.”

This school year he is also part of the high school football coaching staff. “I’m assistant running back and defensive back coach. Part of my job is to supervise drills and help them improve their performance.”

Being on the football, basketball and baseball teams when he was a student at Valley fills him with nostalgia. “I remember going out to practice with my best friends, doing a sport we all loved.”

In his free time, he’s an avid golfer. “I work at the golf course in the summer.” He also likes hanging out with friends, fishing, and snowboarding in the winter.

“I’m thrilled to be working at a school in my own community. We’re a big, happy family here.”

He concluded, “Students always do well when they know their teacher has their best interests at heart — who wants what’s best for them.”