Ms. Perez has an bright and positive personality which is part of what makes her special. It was my pleasure to interview her and hear her thoughts about receiving her award.

How are you feeling about winning the award?

Excited, I was very nervous when I got called up. I’m a very awkward person, so all the teachers got to see me, how awkward I am. But I was really excited and honored. 

In your opinion what makes you special from others?

I hate ragging about myself. I think I have done a really good job connecting with my students for the past two years and building relationships with them and building their trust, which allows them I think to really work in my class and wanna do their best, and wanna succeed. 

What are the words that describe you?

Passionate, organized, caring.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I always wanted to become a teacher, ever since I was little. I used to wanna be an elementary school teacher. And then I did my observations, and then I was like ohh no, no, no. And then I slowly started to look at high schools, and became a school teacher. But I always wanted to become a teacher.   

Why did you choose to teach at Overbrook High School ?

“They hired me,” she said jokingly. I didn’t even grow up in this area. When I graduated from college, I was just applying all around the state. Few schools had called and Overbrook called too. It was between Overbrook or like taking up some long term subbing position. So I decided to make the move and work at Overbrook.

What other profession, other than teaching, would you like to pursue?

I used to work at a bakery forever, so I guess I would be a baker maybe. I don’t know if I would love that though. I still really enjoy baking, but I don’t think I would enjoy it as much as I enjoy teaching. It wouldn’t be a feeling for me.

What is your philosophy of teaching?    

My teaching philosophy…wow bringing back to my college days where I had to write those philosophies out. I think my teaching philosophy would be to put student first and put their needs first and like sometimes it doesn’t have to be an English lesson, sometimes we have to take a day to have a discussion, have a conversation, which I think was again into that building relationship and trust. 

What is your ideal classroom?  

I think my ideal classroom is what I have now. I think I have a really good blend of students, I really love my students this year. I love them every year, but this year I feel like it is a great group. I love my classroom. So I think right now my ideal classroom is what I have. 

What are the things that you look forward to this school year?

This year being in person. I think having students actually in the room and not having to teach to my computer. Because that was very hard last year. 

What advice would you give to the people who want to become a teacher?

Don’t give up. Don’t let other people’s thoughts influence your route that you want to take. And just work hard and care. If you have passion for it, do it. But if you find out you don’t have passion for it, I don’t think you should go down that road. But if you really really have that passion, then do it. And I think you know early on about it.    

I asked if she wanted to share something else with everyone, then she said, “I thank anyone who voted for me, I’m very honored”.