Whether she is teaching a captivating lesson to one of her AP Language and Composition classes or assisting the yearbook staff with putting together a beautiful final issue, Mrs. Shelley Perrett is constantly connecting with WCHS students. Despite having taught at WCHS for 21 years, Perrett is always looking for new ways to contribute to the community beyond her teaching. She has played a variety of integral roles during her time at WCHS, including yearbook advisor and an SGA sponsor.
In all aspects of her job at WCHS, Perrett’s priority is her students and ensuring that they are supported so they can reach success. When asked for three words to describe Perrett, junior Ellie Berlin, who has had Perrett as a teacher for multiple English courses and is a member of the yearbook staff, chose humorous, engaging and adaptive.
“I like how Mrs. Perrett communicates with her students while teaching, engages them in the lesson and allows them to fully understand what they are learning,” Berlin said. “My peers and I enjoy Mrs. Perrett’s humorous side as she makes each and every lesson fun, enthusiastic and entertaining. We also admire her patience and willingness to help.”
Perrett was inspired by numerous individuals to become an English teacher. The first was her mother, who worked long hours and had always wished she was a teacher so she could be off work when her children were off school. Perrett’s English teachers in high school also played a pivotal role in shaping her career path.
“I had great English teachers in high school, and they seemed to love their jobs,” Perrett said. “I like to read, so I want to encourage that, and helping kids develop their writing, which they will do no matter what path they choose, is really important.”
As an AP Lang teacher, Perrett works with students through a variety of reading comprehension and writing activities throughout the year in order to sharpen their skills and build on what they have learned in previous English courses.
“[By the spring], I want them to be ready for and do well on the AP exam,” Perrett said. “But overall, I want them to say that they have become better readers and writers during their junior year.”
In addition to her support in the classroom, Perrett strives to be someone her students can rely on to be there for them. Her approachability makes students feel like they can share any questions or concerns they may have, or even ask for advice.
“My favorite thing about Mrs. Perrett is the way she connects with her students,” Berlin said. She allows her students to come to her if they need anything and is a trusted adult to everyone. She differs from some of my other teachers I have had as I feel she is always willing to help me, accommodates me and constantly checks in on me.”
Perrett’s relationship with the WCHS community is reciprocal. Students and staff members appreciate Perrett for her contributions, and she gives them credit for making her experience at WCHS so positive.
“I enjoy the students [at WCHS] and am fortunate to have great colleagues and administrators,” Perrett said. “My life has changed a lot since I started here, and I have always felt supported by the community.”
