Educator of the Week: Shereka Phinnessee

It’s time now to recognize our Educator of the Week, brought to you by the Tennessee Education Lottery.

Shereka Phinnessee is a career and technical education teacher at Parkview Prep Academy in east Jackson.

She shares her gratitude for winning Educator of the Week.

“I’m just grateful for this opportunity to be chosen Educator of the Week,” Phinnessee said. “A lot of times we as educators may feel like our work goes in vain, but it’s opportunities like this that somebody has recognized us for the small things that we do. A lot of times it just requires you’re doing a good job, so it goes a long way. So I’m truly honored for this opportunity.”

CTE teaches real life skills such as economics, personal finance, computer apps, and more.

Phinnessee tells us which methods she uses to teach her classes.

“Well, yeah, we do a variety of things hands-on. We do group activities, they do individual work. Some days they may use the computer, their devices to get their work done. It just depends on the situation. But my goal is to engage them as much as possible. Because when they’re engaged and they learn better.”

Phinnessee ends by encouraging everyone to follow their dream, especially if it’s educating the next generation.

“First I would tell them to follow their heart, do what they’re passionate about, what they love, and then the money will come. Don’t choose a career just because of the money. Choose something that you love and be good at it. And the money will come, whether that is in education or the health field, whatever it is, do what you love.”

Phinnessee is now eligible for the Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Month award.

To vote for her or any other nominees, go to the Tennessee Education Lottery website.

To nominate an educator for our Educator of the Week award, email us at educator@wbbjtv.com.