- December 25, 2024
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iFlagler Teacher of the Year Amy Parola teaches sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade math, in addition to three algebra courses, so by eighth grade she has the same students three years in a row.
“I love that I really get to know them and watch them grow from adolescence into their early teen years,” she said. “Watching their growth and transition is my favorite part of being a teacher in my current placement.”
Parola has been teaching for 10 and a half years. She went back to school when she was 36 with the intention of getting certified as a physical therapist assistant. But when she took the required math courses, she remembered that she loved math and was really good at it. Her professor suggested that she pursue a degree in math education.
Parola said being nominated for Flagler Schools’ Teacher of the Year has allowed her to reflect on her career.
“It's like taking an inventory in a sense,” she said. “There are a lot of things that I am doing well but still plenty of space for growth and improvement.”
iFlagler Principal Erin Quinn said in her letter of recommendation for Parola’s nomination that she teaches six different math courses simultaneously yet always provides personalized support to help her students succeed.
She has a unique ability to make learning math both engaging and enjoyable, transforming complex topics into accessible, manageable lessons that her students can grasp with confidence.
— ERIN QUINN, iFlagler Principal on Teacher of the Year Amy Parola
“She excels in reaching students with a wide range of learning styles and needs,” Quinn wrote. “… She has a unique ability to make learning math both engaging and enjoyable, transforming complex topics into accessible, manageable lessons that her students can grasp with confidence.”
Parola said Interacting with her students keeps her motivated.
“Sometimes a conversation with one of them or an interesting response to a question or problem can turn my day around,” she said.
Parola recalled how early in her career she learned to treat each student as an individual. In her first year of teaching, she said, the talking and socializing in class one afternoon was out of control.
“When I had reached my limits, I impulsively decided to give a short pop quiz,” she said. “I distributed index cards and wrote a few questions on the screen. When I was grading the quizzes later, one of my students had titled the quiz, ‘Punishment Quiz.’ I learned a lesson about allowing the behavior of a few to impact the treatment of the whole group. I never gave another punishment quiz and was careful to make both consequences and rewards individualized and appropriate moving forward.”
Outside of teaching, Parola’s No. 1 passion is scuba diving. She goes diving as much as possible and enjoys many other outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and kayaking.
If she could share one piece of wisdom with her students, she said, it would be, “Don't let perfectionism hold you back.”
“Time is a precious resource, and it's important to use it wisely,” she said. “Instead of striving for perfection, focus on progress and learning. Experiment with new things, take risks, and embrace failure as an opportunity to grow. By doing so, you'll discover your passions, talents and true self. Remember, it's not about being perfect; it's about being authentic and living a fulfilling life.”
