Meet the Teacher | Kelley Ferguson, Paris High School 

I teach because I love showing people things that they may not know. I love to see the look on someone’s face when they finally understand a concept that was previously unknown to them. I teach because I love to share my knowledge of life, the good, the bad and the ugly. What got me interested in teaching? One of my son’s 4th grade teachers. I did not like the way she taught. Kids do not learn from people they do not like. She once told me if I thought I could do better than her, become a teacher. So I did. I became a teacher because I love teaching.

I am a people person and have never been shy in front of a group of people. I was so set on being the center of attention at the age of 2, I broke my collarbone showing out for the neighbors! At the age of 22, I broke the same collarbone showing out for my friends! I love sharing my knowledge of science with students and adults alike. My mother was a teacher so I guess that lead me down the path as well. Teaching is a passion, and I love my job. When you are part of a great faculty and have the leadership of a wonderful Principal, that makes it all worth it. 

There are new science advances all the time. I want my students to be prepared for the real world and to do that I have to stay on top of new things. I love learning and being a student. My motivation comes from my students. That moment when they learn something new after struggling, and I see the “lightbulb” go off, that’s the best payoff!

My role in the TMRA teacher workshop is a teacher facilitator. Along with other teachers, we lead workshops and have fun along the way! When I first attended the Coal Workshop several years ago, I was hooked! I knew nothing about mining other than what I saw on the movie October Sky. I was a little scared at first, thinking I was going down under the ground to seek out coal. I was thinking I would look like Homer Hickam’s father when he emerged from the coal mines. I was totally shocked and intrigued at the mining process! Being able to take this back to my classroom with the activities and pictures and videos is the greatest thing! 

Just like our students, teachers love hands-on activities. The learning process takes on a whole new life when you can do something rather than talk about it. Hands-on learning gives students and teachers the ability to feel it work, see it work and the value of that lesson is priceless. Listening to mining personnel share their knowledge and time is a great thing. I find it so interesting and get excited that I can take this information back to my classroom. The icing on the cake is being able to bring back actual samples of lignite to my students.

I have made so many new friends attending the TMRA teacher workshops! Teachers love to share ideas and learn new ones. Being able to help someone learn something new is the greatest thing! I am a bit of a ham, but I love making people laugh. Learning can be fun! So many memories from the TMRA workshops, so many new friends, and so much new knowledge to use in my classroom! I literally learn something new at every workshop. 

I was born and grew up in Paris, Texas. I graduated from Paris
High School in 1982 and received my AS from Paris Junior College and then went on to Texas A & M – Commerce to receive my BS and MS in Broadfield Science-Physics. I started my college career studying the geosciences and still love Geology. I was a late bloomer, going back to college after my children were in elementary school. My son Tyler, is now a fire fighter/paramedic in Jacksonville, Texas. My youngest son Trenton, is awaiting acceptance to Physical Therapy school and works at Xzact Therapy and Aquatics here in Paris. My husband David works for Summit Materials here in Paris as well.

Currently, I teach Honors Physics and regular Physics at Paris High School. Along with my duties as a teacher I am the Co-Director of the Blazettes Dance Squad and one of the Advisors of the National Honor Society. I help out with the Texas Association of Future Educators when I can. I guess I like keeping my plate full because that keeps me pretty busy.

 
Kelley Ferguson, Paris High School 
Science Department–Honors Physics & Physics | NHS Advisor | Blazette Coach | BS & MS Broadfield Science–Physics
Texas A&M | Commerce, TX