CRESTLINE, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Janet Parsons, a veteran high school English teacher at Colonel Crawford High School, has been named Crawford County Now’s Teacher of the Month, a recognition that highlights her dedication to students and her lasting impact on the school community. 

Nominated by a student, this honor underscores Parsons’ quiet yet profound influence, in and out of the classroom, over her decades-long career.

A Calling To Teach

Parsons’ journey into teaching began with an unshakable certainty that education was her calling, though she said she initially wasn’t sure which grade level she’d teach.

“I just knew that I was going to teach,” she said.

Her instinct led her to high school English, where she has spent her career fostering a love of learning among teenagers.

“I genuinely enjoy spending my day with them,” said Parsons, a sentiment that has only deepened as she’s evolved alongside the ever-changing landscape of education.

Building Connections Beyond Grades

Parsons said her classroom is a place where students are more than just their grades. She said she strives to know her students as individuals, creating a safe and approachable environment where they feel comfortable discussing not only assignments but also life’s bigger challenges. 

For seniors navigating post-high school decisions, she says she tries to serve as an objective sounding board, guiding them through pros and cons without imposing her own opinions.

“I want them to feel confident as readers, writers, and learners,” she said, emphasizing her belief in kindness, the value of learning, and personal growth.

Creating Lasting Traditions

One of Parsons’ proudest contributions is the creation of Clash of the Classes, a spirit night she started more than a decade ago that has grown into a beloved school tradition. She said she also takes pride in quieter moments, such as watching a student’s “lightbulb” moment when they grasp a difficult concept or hearing from former students who return to share updates about their lives. These connections, along with her ability to design innovative courses and advocate for her school, fuel her sense of fulfillment.

A Philosophy Of Leading By Example

Parsons says her teaching philosophy is less about rigid principles and more about leading by example. She said she likes to disguise writing assignments to make them engaging, sidestepping the dread students often feel when they hear the word “essay.” 

Her creative approaches help students demonstrate their understanding in ways that feel fresh and meaningful.

“I try to teach beyond the stereotypical English class,” she said, a strategy that keeps her classroom dynamic and her students invested.

Shaping Good People

Beyond academics, Parsons said she works to instill life skills and values, encouraging her students to be “good, productive people in society.”

Her mantra, “not in my room, not in my hallway,” has become a lighthearted yet effective way to promote kindness and accountability. She said upperclassmen have even adopted the phrase, using it to curb misbehavior near her classroom, which is a testament to her influence.

Staying Motivated Through Humor & Heart

Despite the demands of teaching, Parsons says she remains motivated by her students, her colleagues, and a healthy dose of humor.

“My colleagues who have become friends, the kids, and a sense of humor are what keep me going,” she said.

Parsons said her classroom strikes a balance between rigor and levity, where sarcasm and fun coexist with essays and novels.

“If they can handle doing the classwork and having some fun in the process, that’s what we do,” she noted.

A Community Leader

Parsons’ contributions extend far beyond her classroom. As Student Council advisor, she organizes homecoming activities, Clash of the Classes, and the Veterans’ Day assembly. 

Over the years, she said she has also coached for eight years, directed the school play for five, and held a leadership role in the teachers’ union for more than a decade. These roles reflect her commitment to building a vibrant school community, even as she acknowledges the challenges of teacher burnout.

A Humble Honor

The Teacher of the Month recognition, while humbling, is not something Parsons sought.

“I tend to avoid the spotlight,” she admitted, but learning that a student nominated her made the honor especially meaningful. She often encourages her seniors to write thank-you notes to those who’ve impacted their education, and this nomination feels like a full-circle moment.

“I don’t teach for recognition, but it is nice to hear that I am making a difference,” she said.

Inspired By Mentors

Inspired by teachers from her past, particularly her third-grade teacher, Mrs. Moyer, and several high school educators, Parsons said she strives to emulate their presence and approachability.

As she looks to the future, she said she plans to continue fostering kindness, confidence, and curiosity in her students, all while advocating for the school she’s poured so much into.

A Lasting Legacy

Colonel Crawford High School is lucky to have Janet Parsons, a teacher whose quiet dedication lights the way for her students and community. As Teacher of the Month, she stands as a reminder of the profound impact one educator can have, one “lightbulb” moment at a time.