Scott Parks
Middle School Science Teacher
Bachelor’s in Education, Science and Social Studies, Spring Arbor University
Mr. Scott never thought he’d become a teacher. School? As a student, he “didn’t like it at all.” After college, he dabbled in just about everything. “I worked many, many different jobs,” he says. Bank teller, retail clerk in Yosemite, truck driver, factory worker, pizza guy, dairy farmer. “I learned later in life that I liked learning and sharing,” he says. At age 30 he decided to become a teacher. Twenty years later, he knows it was the right decision.
Connecting Virtual Coursework to the Real World
Mr. Scott began his career as an educator in traditional brick-and-mortar schools before joining Great Lakes Learning Academy in 2017. He understands the many advantages of virtual education, and is quick to point out that “less demanding” isn’t one of them. “Online school is not easier,” he emphasizes. “Students have to be motivated and able to learn independently.” Those challenges result in students becoming “self-driven and self-sufficient,” qualities that will continue to matter long past their school years.
As a science teacher, Mr. Scott has embraced the challenge of trying to “connect the coursework to real life.” Demonstrations are a regular part of the virtual classes, he says, “because they are cool!” He especially enjoys field trips, which not only offer opportunities to see scientific concepts in action, but also add an important dimension to the many personal relationships. “It is so much fun meeting my students and families face-to-face,” he says.
An Incredibly Meaningful Connection
One of the most rewarding parts of being a teacher at Great Lakes Learning Academy is having the flexibility to help students who need it most. Mr. Scott recalls having an 8th grade student whose health issues had created significant challenges with school. He met with the student often. “She always worked so hard,” he said.
Then Mr. Scott learned that that this 8th grade student was 17 years old. “I made arrangements with her other teachers,” he explains, “to let her pass if she completed a huge project for each class.” With a renewed focus and support from all her teachers, the student “stuck to it and made it through middle school.”
Outside of school, Mr. Scott enjoys spending time with his family, watching movies, reading good books, and traveling as much as possible.