Henrico's Top Teachers – Salman Parvaiz

Ask Salman Parvaiz about the most influential teacher in his life, and he will name the very first one.

His mother.

When he had trouble focusing on schoolwork as a boy, his mother devised a 30/30 system. He would work for 30 minutes, then play for 30 minutes, using an alarm clock to stay on schedule.

Parvaiz says he loved the alternating-work-and-play approach, and never realized until later the effort and sacrifice it took for his mother to maintain the schedule and help him with his studies.

"My mother never gave up on me," he says. "She tried every strategy in the book to get me ready for middle school and high school; after that I could fly on my own.

"She is the hero of my life."

Today, he helps students learn to "fly on their own" as his mother did – although he believes a somewhat lax high school culture has made it more difficult to do.

"At times our flexibility and empathy can prevent students from learning lessons that will benefit them in the long run," Parvaiz says. "Our culture is not helping prepare our students for college or the work force -- i.e. cell phones, limiting suspensions, and limiting expulsions."

High school students would be better off, in Parvaiz' mind, if expectations were raised and they were given an earlier taste of the way they will be treated in college or the work force.

"Every student has a right to be educated," he emphasizes. "As long as they understand that it is also a privilege."

He is glad to see, however, that so many students are succeeding in spite of a system that is less than ideal.

Current students and their parents often share their appreciation not only for what he teaches them, but also how he teaches. Former students frequently contact him to express gratitude as well.

"Most have become engineers, doctors, members of the Armed Services and consultants," Parvaiz says of his former students. "They invite me to their college graduations, family events and life’s milestone celebrations.”

A parent who wrote to nominate Parvaiz noted that one of the qualities that endears him to students – and their parents – is that he is respectful of each student's individuality and makes a point of recognizing students' strengths.

Outside of the classroom, wrote the parent, "he is a supportive student advocate" and often attends programs such as Center for the Arts showcases. He is also active in efforts to promote scholarship funds – "and he always has time to write recommendation letters.

"Through his kind and generous spirit, Mr. Parvaiz has given [our children] the self-confidence . . . to help them pursue their chosen passions," said the parent.

"Henrico High School students are lucky to have such a mentor."