Trevor Parrett

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I’ve always loved helping people. Many children out in the world don’t have a positive role model in their life, especially a male role model. So I strive to be that person for the children. Many children just need an adult that is there for them, listen to them and care for them.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable experience has to be with a student I had last year. My school is predominantly made up of African refugees. I had a student last year that was new to America, new to education, and new to his living situation. He started the year really struggling because he couldn’t express his needs and concerns without hitting. His state test score was at a 119. After a lot of small groups with him and helping him get out of a bad situation, he was able to get that score to a 138.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I will use it to help make my classroom a home away from home. Being a second year teacher, I have to work two jobs in order to pay bills. I try my best to get things for the classroom and decorations to make the classroom a fun place but it can be hard. The students in my class could use more books, more furniture in the classroom, and more manipulatives that are useful to learning in the classroom.