Ever since the age of 10, Susan Parcheta possessed a passion for teaching. While at school she and her friends would play school and she would always assume the role of the teacher. This love for teaching at an early age, led her to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, then she went on to pursue her Master’s degree. After years of teaching grade school, she went on to teach at Ferris State University where her husband studied Pharmacy.

In 1985, Parcheta began teaching at St. Petersburg College (SPC). She taught at the Clearwater and Health Education Center campuses until 1989, when she transferred to the Tarpon Springs campus.

Since that time, Parcheta has taught 17 courses while at SPC, including CGS 1100 Computer Applications which is “her first love.” In fact, she has pioneered courses at SPC in computer literacy for the health field as well as computer applications.

Throughout her 26 years at SPC, Parcheta participated on numerous committees such as Curriculum & Instruction, Staff & Program Development and SAC’s Steering Committee for Credentialing, just to name a few. Parcheta was a Faculty Advisor for Phi Beta Lambda (PBL), a national student organization for business, and the Instructor-in-charge for the Weekend Computer Institute at the Tarpon Springs campus. She was also selected by her students for Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in Higher Education.

Teaching has certainly been a rewarding experience for Parcheta over the past 44 years.

“I feel energized by my students. I learned that the best way to incorporate new and better teaching methods is by observing good teachers and presenters in any field. I know that I am invigorated by attending conferences to witness expert presenters and new technology,” she said.

Parcheta is set to retire December 31, 2011. She plans to travel, resume playing the piano and drums, gardening, reading, creating beaded jewelry and spending time with family and friends.