Educator of the Month: Scott DuVall’s lessons extend beyond the classroom

In recognition of his dedication to active learning beyond the classroom, Summerfield High School seventh and eighth grade science, computers and STEM Enrichment teacher Scott DuVall has been voted the Monroe County Educator of the Month for October 2022 by The Monroe News staff.

In addition to teaching, DuVall serves as adviser for the Junior High Quiz Bowl and Student Council.

According to Summerfield Junior and Senior High School Principal Camryn Klocinski, DuVall is consistently named as “favorite teacher/adult students can go to for help.”

DuVall, 56, was born and raised in Bedford. After graduating from Bedford High School in 1984, he didn’t go to college right away. Instead, he worked and sold furniture before enrolling at Monroe County Community College in his early 20s. He then transferred to the University of Toledo before completing his master’s degree at Spring Arbor University. DuVall started teaching with Summerfield School District in 1996 and has remained there for 26 years.

“I had no idea I wanted to be a teacher. My wife (girlfriend at the time) and my father-in-law kept telling me, ‘You need to go to school,’ but I had bought a house when I was 20 and I was working so I thought things were good,” he said. “I was coaching basketball at Bedford, and it clicked one day.”

DuVall said he was working with Brett Parachek, a student at the time, on some basketball moves when he realized he wanted to teach.

Parachek, now a teacher at Saline High School, remembers DuVall’s help as a coach.

“It has been a while since I have thought of playing JV basketball. I have fond memories of Scott as one of my coaches. At the time, he was a young coach that brought enthusiasm to every practice. I remember the big smile that he always had and, as a young player, it was fun to try to make him laugh. He was one of the first coaches I had that taught me how to play in the post and how to be a physical player,” Paracheck said. “Because he was bigger than me, when I practiced against him, it forced me out of my comfort zone and turned me into a better player. I am not surprised all of these years later that not only is Scott a teacher, but your teacher of the month. I’m sure his students are lucky to have him as a teacher.”

DuVall admits when he received an email notifying him that he had been selected as Educator of the Month, he thought it was a spam email, so he didn’t respond. A follow-up phone call confirmed the award.

“It is quite an honor for the school than for me, personally.” he said.

What DuVall said he enjoys most about being an educator is seeing students’ growth.

“When I first started teaching, I taught fifth grade. Now, I teach seventh and eighth grade so it’s incredible from one year to the next,” he said. “This year, I’m really seeing growth within our seventh graders. That growth, both physical and maturity, keeps me young. … I love these kids.”

“Scott cares about each and every one of his students as not only science learners, but as people. Scott’s classroom is a place of active learning, but his lessons frequently extend beyond the classroom walls as he strives to instill in his students as many life lessons as he does content standards,” Klocinski said. “I couldn't imagine the building without him, and hope that I don't have to for some time yet!”

When it comes to teaching his students beyond the classroom, it’s personal. DuVall and his wife lost their son, Chase, and that’s one of the reasons why he makes it a point to let his students know he cares and that they matter.

Below is a list of honorable mentions for The Monroe News' October Educator of the Month award:

Tara Fraley, Bedford Public Schools; Lynette Sproles, Dundee Community Schools; Mike Boss, Jefferson Schools; Vuncia Council, Monroe Public Schools; Sara Memije, St. Mary Catholic Central.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Educator of the Month: DuVall’s lessons extend beyond the classroom