For the past 42 years, Darrell Pernicek has been a familiar face in the halls of Sandy Creek School, and over those 42 years, he has made an impact that will last a lifetime.
In a nomination letter for Staff Member of the Month, it states, “He is truly the epitome of what it is to be a phenomenal teacher. Very rarely do you see a teacher start and end their career at the same school--but he has! He is truly passionate about teaching, and is a lifelong learner. He bleeds Cougar RED through and through! He has high expectations, and challenges his students each and every day, but is always willing to give extra help where and when needed. He puts in extra time to coach the SC High School Quiz Bowl teams that have been very successful throughout the years... teachers like Mr. Pernicek are irreplaceable.”
For these reasons and many more, Pernicek was chosen as Sandy Creek’s May Staff Member of the Month.
Although he had many excellent teachers growing up, Pernicek said being a teacher wasn’t the first thing on his list after high school—actually, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do.
“An advisor suggested I take education classes as a ‘Plan B.’ Even after graduating from college, I wasn’t sure I wanted to be a teacher...the short version is that I believe that a higher power wanted me to be here (at Sandy Creek) and that’s how it worked out. Forty-two years later, I’m still here,” he said.
Over his years as an educator, he’s taught eighthgrade Earth Science; a middle school STEM class when they focused on computer coding; and is currently teaching Physics, Chemistry, Physical Science, and Practical Science at a high school level.
Additionally, he’s supervised a group of NCAPS students and proctored many distance-learning dual credit college classes.
Among his extracurriculars, Pernicek has also sponsored high school and junior high quiz bowl, and a group that competed in a state and national competition called TEAM+S.
Without a doubt, what Pernicek enjoys most about being a teacher is working with students.
“Although some days are more challenging than others, every day has its rewards,” he said. “Even after my lengthy career I still get new questions—students bring a fresh perspective to topics that might not have occurred to me. Working with young people has kept me mentally sharp. This job is something different every day—I appreciate that.”
Over the years, hundreds of students have passed through his classrooms, and to them and others who come into his classroom until he retires, he had this wisdom to share.
1) Time is a precious gift; you do not know how much or little of it you have. Make the most of the time you have. Whether you use your time wisely or poorly, once it has passed you can not get it back.
2) Pay attention in all of your classes. You never know where life will take you—be as prepared as you can be for any occurrence. No matter what may happen, no one can take your education away from you.
In the nomination letter, submitted by Julie Shaw, she noted how her family had Pernicek as a teacher, and how lucky they were for it.
“They [her sons] share the same love for him as a teacher that we [Brian and Julie] did. He is engaging. We all agree that his stories, and the way he can connect/relate them to the current lesson may be our favorite thing about him—we could listen to him all day!”
While no one goes into education for the fame and fortune, Pernicek said it is nice to be recognized for your efforts once-in-a-while, and know you are respected and appreciated.
Fun Fact
What would students be surprised to find out about you?
One thing they may not know (or remember) is that I married my date for the senior prom. You never know the long-lasting effects that your decisions will cause.
