Elizabeth Parnell has a clear view of what she expects from students. A veteran teacher – she’s been in the field 13 years – Elizabeth is in her 11th year at Robbins Elementary. Born and raised in Moore County, her organizational skills are an asset in the classroom.
“I’m organized, and I know what I want out of kids,” Elizabeth, the owner of a bachelor’s degree from St. Andrews Pinehurst, said. “I have high expectations.”
Experience tells her there are various ways to get expectations met.
“I love to take a field trip,” Elizabeth, who instructs three groups of 13 learners, said.
Among regular stops for field trips are Biltmore, in Asheville, and Kure Beach.
A 250-room castle, Biltmore is the largest home in the U.S. The mansion and surrounding grounds, including gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, are open for tours. There are six restaurants on the property.
Home to the award-winning North Carolina Aquarium, Kure Beach also features a 700-foot fishing pier and Fort Fisher, a garrison that played an important role in the Civil War.
Regardless of the way material resonates with a student, Elizabeth treasures the moment when the grasping happens.
“It’s very neat to see the light come on,” she said. “It’s seeing the excitement they have.”
Along with helping students in fifth grade learn science, Elizabeth knows readying them for other settings is essential.
“We’re preparing them for middle school,” she said.
After becoming a teacher, Elizabeth was first interested in working with younger students. She was urged to keep her options open.
“I wanted to teach preschool,” she said. “I was encouraged to take a position with fifth grade.”
Since making the jump, she’s become a fixture at the upper level.
“I’ve never went back to lower grades after that,” Elizabeth said.
Whatever the profession, there are many cases where people are living a longtime, even lifelong, dream. Elizabeth didn’t have the early goal of becoming a teacher.
“I was in nursing school. I always wanted to be a nurse,” she said.
Once she became more familiar with her original choice, a decision was made.
“I realized it wasn’t for me,” Elizabeth said.
By working a part-time job, one involving youngsters, a new path was set.
“Through babysitting, I realized I wanted to be a teacher,” she said.
With the 2024-25 school year nearing its end, Elizabeth, her husband and family, will have plenty of time to partake in a favorite activity when classes are done.
“We go camping all the time,” Elizabeth said. “We’re year-round campers.”
Feature photo: Elizabeth Parnell. Contributed photo.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Dave Lukow. Dave has been honored as both a lyricist and screenwriter. Among other publications he’s contributed to are the Buffalo News, JD Journal, Beckett Hockey, Seminole Player’s Life, Poker Pro, Walmart World, and All In.
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