Kerry Parks

Teacher, Student Support Specialist

This will be my 28th year of teaching since becoming certified. I've been teaching special education for 26 of the past 27 years. I taught general education 5th grade for one year. I think that it is important that I help students make as many direct, real-life applications of academic content as possible. Just as important as learning useful content, students need to learn strategies for emotional, social, and behavioral monitoring and management. When possible, I would rather lead students to draw their own conclusions by asking questions that model the thinking/analysis process for solving problems, rather than just providing solutions for them. In my experience, this approach has typically resulted in more active engagement and greater independence in creative problem solving. In all areas of their lives, I want my students to become more flexible divergent thinkers, take more than one perspective, and know how to use references and resources as much as possible. As students improve in each of these areas, they will make progress toward more independent, successful, and fulfilling lives.

I’m really looking forward to teaching at Odyssey this year! Odyssey creates a learning environment where the uniqueness of each student is fully recognized and appreciated. Odyssey also provides me with an opportunity to be creative and innovative when addressing the social, emotional, behavioral, and academic needs of my students.

Courses Taught:

• World Geography
• World History
• Math
• Physical Education

Education/Certifications:

• B.A. Communication Disorders (minor: Psychology), University of North Texas
• M.Ed. Special Education (minor: ESL), University of Texas at Austin
• Texas Teacher Certificate:
• Special Education, PK-12
• General Education, 1-8