By JOHN KLINE
Teresa Zook, 41, is principal at Millersburg Elementary School, 203 E. Main St., part of the Fairfield School District.
A 1987 graduate of Bethany Christian High School, Zook chose to continue her education at Hesston College, graduating in 1989.
“I graduated from Hesston College and completed my Elementary Ed degree at Goshen College,” Zook said. “I received both my master’s and administrative license from Indiana Wesleyan, which I completed in May of 2008.”
As for her teaching career, Zook got her start in 1992 as a teacher in special education through the Goshen Community Schools system, where she would remain for 17 years.
“While there I taught grades one, two, three, four and English as a Second Language,” Zook said, noting that it was not until early 2009 that her current position at MES became available.
“When the position opened at MES, I was immediately interested,” Zook said. “I remembered hearing stories about MES back when it was Millersburg High school at family functions. My grandfather, John Troyer, worked here as a custodian in the late 1950s and it seemed like the perfect opportunity.”
Since her move to the new school, Zook said she has been continually surprised by the strong commitment to student education and development show by MES parents and members of the surrounding community.
“The people of Millersburg have impressed me by the way there is such an emphasis on family and community,” Zook said. “I am very blessed to be able to work at MES.”
Zook lives in Bristol with her husband, Doug, and her four children, Mikaela, Alyssa, Erica and Andrew.
Below is a list of questions recently answered by Zook regarding education, her school, and her teaching philosophy.
Q: What is your philosophy or mission statement when it comes to education?
A: I believe that all students can learn. Students may not learn in the same time frame or by using the same method, but they can still progress toward the goal.
Q: Why do you think it’s important for parents and community members to take an interest in their local schools?
A: When parents and community members work together it has a greater impact on learning. It also provides additional positive role models for students.
Q: Looking back over the years since you started in education, would you say the educational system has changed much?
A: In education there is currently a stronger push toward assessments and using those assessments to guide instruction. There is also the added focus on students passing ISTEP so that schools can make AYP.
Q: Looking forward, what are some of the bigger challenges currently facing your school?
A: A bigger challenge that is facing the school system are the budget cuts from the state. Thankfully the enrollment here at Millersburg has remained steady and has actually gone up four students from the 2008-2009 school year.
