Chance Parsons

WIN. Chance Parsons (L) poses for a photo after a soccer game with Nevaeh McNew (L), Jaxon Adams (L), Hanna Johnston (L), Ariyl Scott (C), Aurora Miller (C), Silvia Brunati (R), Tiha Taula (R) and Conner Smith (R)

Leaving a leadership position at Carmax to enter education may have seemed unconventional to some, but for me, it was a natural progression. I knew my future was at Fort Osage High School, where I could give back to the community that shaped me. When I look at my reasons for jumping into the field of education, I reflect on watching my brother struggle with high school through a nationwide lockdown. The perception of educators changed alongside students’ work ethic and skillset” meaning that a traditional approach to education needed to be modified. I strive to have my students experience the same passion for their education as I did at Fort Osage, especially with school dynamics and student motivations shifting during this time. While we are facing the significant challenge of educating students in a post-pandemic world, I am enthusiastic about being an educational leader at Fort Osage High School

Teachers, now more than ever, need to have a firm grasp on what will make their students successful in the real world.  Having spent a decade in broadcasting, including roles at KCTV 5 and in Los Angeles, I bring a unique perspective to the classroom. I know what failure is because I have experienced it in those roles, and I am not afraid to share those failures with my students, preparing them for the realities they will face post-graduation. I share with them the wins, especially coming from the same broadcasting program that they are currently in. I explain that with hard work and learning from Fort Osage teachers, they will develop themselves into highly successful members of the job market in whatever field they decide to pursue.

Students need more than just knowledge; they need guidance and real-world preparation. When I listen to the stories and experiences of my students now, I am consistently impressed with their resilience and maturity.  My role is to challenge students, fostering confidence and a love of discovery. Teaching is not about babysitting someone’s child, but challenging them and giving them measures of achievement so that they can add “tools” to their toolbox as they navigate life outside of Fort Osage. Answers are not meant to be given but learned and hard work is meant to be awarded. It is my duty as a member of the high school staff to make sure that all kids receive the same amount of support and challenges so that they realize their worth and potential, and within this first year I have done just that and vow to continue to do that until I retire in this profession.

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My mission is to instill confidence in every student that they can achieve every task that they set out to do and as a Broadcasting instructor, I am presented with many real-world learning opportunities to experience with them. I strive for excellence and as the sole face of a department, it would be easy for me to do it all. However, as an educator, I would be robbing my students of valuable opportunities. My students know that whenever they plan and execute a Tribal Review they are expected to produce the script and edit the show, an opportunity that allows them to plan, execute, and reflect on the work that they have done. When we do live sports, they know that they are running the show from the camera work to play-by-play as I serve as their cheerleader and advisor. When students leave this program they will not be shocked by their transition to the real world, because they will realize that they were already operating within it. I will continue advocating for our students and searching for opportunities for them to learn while producing top-of-the-line content. Whether they are planning hype videos, promoting district happenings, interviewing stakeholders, reporting important stories, or taking what we do back to the drawing board, I will be there to support and advocate for them.

During my first year of teaching, I have strived to provide each student with growth opportunities. This commitment will remain throughout my career. My role as a teacher is a life-long dedication to empowering the next generation through real-world learning.