Barron Elementary School 2026

Nina Parikh

Barron ElementarySchool - Elementary Self-Contained - 1st Grade
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Teaching Philosophy

Teaching is one of the most rewarding experiences. I believe every child has the ability to learn and grow when they are supported, encouraged, and challenged in the right way. As a 1st grade teacher, I get to witness the incredible moments when students discover something new, gain confidence, and realize their potential. Those moments are why I love teaching.

I am also deeply connected to our district. I grew up and currently reside in Plano. I was once a student here, and I graduated from the same schools that now allow me the opportunity to give back as an educator. Wanting to teach in Plano, where I learned and grew, was an intentional decision. I grew up attending Stinson Elementary, Murphy Middle School, and graduated from Plano East. I take pride in knowing that eventually my students will walk the same hallways and attend the same classes that I did. Returning as a teacher to serve the community that shaped me has been incredibly meaningful.

I have been teaching for four years, and over that time, I have learned that what makes an amazing teacher is more than just knowledge of content or lesson planning—it is the relationships you build and the trust you earn with your students. I know that learning is not always easy, and I try to create an environment where students know I believe in them, even when they are still learning to believe in themselves. I enjoy watching students smile with a sense of accomplishment when I show them their progress in mCLASS and on MAP.

One of my favorite parts of teaching is helping students learn to read. There is something truly magical about watching a student go from struggling to decode words to reading independently and confidently. I know that this growth stems from a combination of my dedication and hard work as a teacher, along with my students' persistence and effort. When a child finally reads a book on their own or sounds out a tricky word correctly, I feel a sense of pride and joy that never gets old. I really love seeing students make progress in mCLASS and move from well below to on-grade level. Reading opens the door to so many opportunities for learning and discovery, and knowing that I play a role in that journey is the greatest reward of all.

Being helpful and collaborative is a central part of who I am as a teacher. During my first year of teaching, my team leader and close friend was diagnosed with cancer, which was heartbreaking for our team. I took the initiative to support her in any way I could by helping run meetings, gathering materials for lessons and activities, and welcoming her entire class into my classroom when she was feeling ill or needed a break. While it was not always easy, I knew that stepping in, offering my time, and opening my classroom was always in the best interest of the students and helped provide them with consistency in instruction, routines, and expectations, allowing students to continue learning successfully in first grade. I continued to support her throughout my second year and even attended team leader meetings in her absence to help ensure clear communication and continuity within our grade level. Her strength, perseverance, and positivity have deeply influenced the educator I strive to be. In addition, I regularly assist other staff members whenever needed, whether by creating station slides, helping with the Skyward gradebook, or supporting other instructional needs. I take great pride in being someone my colleagues can rely on. I also make it a point to show up and support our school through involvement in after-school activities and events.

During my first two years teaching, my team leader and admin team noticed my willingness to lead the team when needed and other leadership skills, and appointed me as team leader during my third year teaching. Being a team leader myself has further shaped my teaching and leadership style. I enjoy collaborating with colleagues, sharing strategies, and supporting others in our shared goal of helping every student succeed. As a team leader, I strive to create a collaborative and supportive environment where teachers feel heard and valued. I enjoy helping facilitate conversations, problem-solve challenges, and ensuring our team remains focused on student success. Leadership, to me, means supporting others while continuing to grow alongside them. I believe strong teams make strong classrooms. My leadership role allows me to model professionalism, encourage reflection, and foster a positive and supportive team culture.

My teaching style reflects my beliefs. I strive to make lessons engaging, meaningful, and interactive, giving students multiple ways to learn and demonstrate understanding. I focus on building foundational skills while also encouraging curiosity and a love of learning and reading. Beyond academics, I teach students to be kind, respectful, and responsible, helping them grow as learners and as people.

Ultimately, I believe teaching is about making a lasting impact. I know that the work I do in 1st grade sets the foundation for my students' future success. Seeing students leave my classroom able to read, confident in themselves, and excited about learning is what makes teaching so rewarding. I approach every day with dedication, care, and a strong commitment to the community that shaped me. I am proud to teach in the district where I once learned, and I feel fortunate to give back by helping the next generation of students begin their educational journey.

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Principal's Recommendation

To whom it may concern:

It is with great enthusiasm that I write this letter in strong support of Ms. Nina Parikh, Barron's Teacher of the Year for the 2025–2026 school year. Ms. Parikh has served the Barron community for the past three years as a first-grade teacher, and her contributions have had a meaningful and lasting impact on both students and staff.

One of Ms. Parikh's most significant contributions to our campus has been her leadership in serving as our campus planner, guiding teachers through the adoption and ongoing use of Skyward for grading. This role requires precision, patience, and a strong understanding of systems, all of which Ms. Parikh demonstrates consistently. She provides clear training for staff, makes herself available for individualized support, and works diligently with teachers each grading cycle to troubleshoot issues and ensure accuracy and timeliness. Her calm demeanor, reliability, and willingness to support others have been instrumental in making what can be a challenging process both manageable and successful for our staff.

In addition to this role, Ms. Parikh serves as the first-grade team leader, where her quiet leadership is evident in her daily actions. She ensures her team is prepared, supported, and equipped to meet the needs of our youngest learners. Ms. Parikh advocates thoughtfully for both her colleagues and students, modeling collaboration and professionalism. She approaches her work as both a leader and a learner, continuously seeking ways to strengthen her instructional practice in service of student success.

Ms. Parikh also plays an important role in fostering a welcoming and inclusive school environment through her work on the Multicultural Committee. She is committed to ensuring that students see themselves represented in our curriculum and school experiences, helping create a campus culture where all students feel valued and supported. Additionally, she is known for her willingness to work closely with students who need extra care and encouragement, helping them successfully integrate into school life and build a strong foundation for future learning.

Ms. Parikh's professionalism, teamwork, and steady commitment to excellence make her an invaluable member of the Barron community. She exemplifies the qualities we seek in an educator—dedication to students, support for colleagues, and leadership rooted in service. For these reasons, I wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Nina Parikh for the honor of Teacher of the Year. She is truly deserving of this recognition, and I cannot think of a more fitting candidate.

Sincerely,

Noline Martin
Principal
Barron Elementary School