[Story by Emily Hughitt]

Celebrating 3 years of teaching and 2 years at J.B. Stephens Elementary School in Bangs, Joani Parks, 4th grade writing teacher, said she became a teacher for the students.

“I wanted to give kids the most powerful resource in life: education,” Parks said. “Also, I wanted to provide a safe and fun learning environment for them.”

Parks said her two favorite teachers were her college professor Mrs. Beaird and her high school coach, Coach Blount.

“Mrs. Beaird was a mother figure to everyone around her,” Parks said. “Not only was she a great teacher, but she taught us about life and helped make us feel valued and supported. A lot of kids don’t have that.”

“Coach Blount taught us, and it was so fun to learn in his class,” Parks added. “His personality was just fun to be around, and you wanted to be there. That’s also important, kids will learn from a teacher who can be fun, but also get work done.”

Parks added that one rewarding aspect of her job is when her students show excitement to be there and see her, especially when she feels she didn’t do a great job the day before.

“The kids are so happy to see you,” she said. “They come in every day, and they love you and are so happy to see you. The negativity you feel as a teacher goes away.”

Parks said the best thing about education is being able to be someone that kids can come to for safety and help.

“Despite everything in this world, I’m excited that kids have a fun, safe place to go learn. It’s a good thought, to be their second home.”