Educators are perhaps the greatest population of unsung heroes in Berrien and Cass County. This school year, Leader Publications will publish a weekly spotlight featuring teachers throughout the district, giving the community a chance to get to know the hard-working individuals shaping their children’s lives. Throughout the next school year, their answers will be published in the newspaper that serves each school district.

Name: Paula Peacock

School: NHS

Grades/subjects taught: 9 through 12. IEP English, Connections, IEP Health

Where did you attend college? Saint Mary’s College Notre Dame, Indiana

How many years have you been teaching? This is my 23rd year teaching in Niles.

How many years have you been with your current school? I started at Cedar Lane in 1994 and have been at the high school since 1998.

Why did you decide to become a teacher? I decided to become a special education teacher because my sister, Kelly Jean Duncan, who passed away in 1995 was studying to become a special educator.

Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing for fun? I enjoy reading, working out, walking my dogs — Barkley and Butter — and spending time with my family.

What is one thing your students may not know about you? They know everything about me.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? Jay Gatsby is my favorite fictional character because he was filled with hope.

When you were a student in the grade you teach, what were your favorite hobbies? I enjoyed reading and hanging out with friends. I also loved working at Kracji’s Pharmacy and traveling with my father.

How would your co-workers describe your teaching style and personality? When asked, co-workers describe my teaching style and personality as engaging, positive and energetic.

Who is your biggest role model and why? My mom is my role model for so many reasons I could write a book about her.

How has education changed in the last 10 years? Education has changed in many ways, but the constant we try to focus on is helping kiddos be the best they can be.

What is your best advice to parents to help their child continue growing academically? My advice and homework for parents and students is the following: Read with, spend time and have meals with your kids, and make sure they get outside as well as get enough rest.

If my students learn one thing this year, I hope it is… reading drives the bus-if you can read, you can do anything! Also, hard work and kindness pay off. Do the right thing.

This photo was taken during spirit week.