SUPPORTIVE, WELCOMING AND KIND Educators find their home in Blue Valley

Growing up, Erika Cherian was the kid who played teacher. After a day at school, Cherian would return home only to continue simulating being at school. Becoming a teacher has been her dream since she was in the third grade.

Thomas Cherian grew up with the exact opposite dream. Becoming a school counselor and working in education wasn’t in his plans. He always saw himself as a pilot, and just seven years ago, the thought of being a school counselor was absent from his mind.

“Over time, I realized that the impact that I can have on this world starts with the kids that we work with in our schools,” Thomas Cherian said.

Now, the couple finds themselves working in education and the same school district — Erika Cherian continuing to fulfill her dream of being a teacher at Wolf Springs Elementary and Thomas Cherian finding his place in an unlikely career at Lakewood Elementary.

Thomas Cherian is in his second year as a school counselor at Lakewood, and Erika Cherian is beginning her first year at Wolf Springs, her fifth year in education overall.

Although Wolf Springs and Lakewood elementaries reside in different areas and feeder systems within the community, the culture and climate experienced at both are district-wide.

Exemplary educators have been a long-held cornerstone of Blue Valley. The district ensures every educator provides a transformative educational experience for all students. Recruiting and retaining educators who value these principles is vital to Blue Valley’s overall success.

Choosing Blue Valley was an easy decision for Thomas Cherian. Growing up in the area, he knew of the district’s reputation as a top school district in the nation, the support teachers received and the academic success students strive for.

His choice paid off.

“They took a chance on me, and they’ve been very supportive and helped me grow as a school counselor,” Thomas Cherian said. “I could truly see myself here at Lakewood, hopefully for a long time, because I feel at home here in this position.”

Kathleen Cigich, Lakewood Elementary principal, said when she interviewed Thomas Cherian for the position, she knew he brought the positive energy needed for the school’s day-to-day functions.

“Thomas is friendly, a great listener and builds relationships with students and staff,” Cigich said. “He truly believes in the importance of kids feeling safe at school.”

When Thomas Cherian thinks of the Lakewood community, three words come to mind — inclusive, welcoming and kind.

Those three attributes ensure the Lakewood team shares a common goal of supporting each student, Cigich said.

“I always say that we all have hard days, but we never do the hard days alone,” Cigich said.

What led Thomas Cherian to pursue a career in education was his wife.

“Ever since I met her, she has been passionate about teaching, and I get to see her passion impact the world around her and the kids,” Thomas Cherian said.

As Erika Cherian inspired her husband to pursue a career in education, he inspired his wife to pursue a job opportunity in Blue Valley. The positive stories Erika Cherian heard when Thomas Cherian arrived home after work led her to Wolf Springs.

“Having that support for teachers is huge,” Erika Cherian said. “That ultimately leads to the success of students, which is what every teacher wants. That was really big for me to hear about the support offered, not only for teachers, but for students.”

Meaghan Graber, Wolf Springs Elementary principal, said the school’s inviting culture allows students, staff and the community to feel valued and included.

Erika Cherian in her role as a kindergarten teacher, incorporates the qualities her third-grade teacher taught her — always be welcoming and create a safe and inclusive environment.

“I want every child in my classroom to know they play an important role in our community,” Erika Cherian said. “I do this by getting to know students’ strengths and interests, and prioritizing morning meetings where students have a chance to share more about themselves. I provide time for students to encourage and lift each other up.”

As Thomas and Erika Cherian kickstart their second and fifth years, respectively, in education, they remember what it was like to be a new educator, diving headfirst into an unknown role that can come with unforeseen challenges.

Both Thomas and Erika Cherian agree one of the most important reminders is to ask for help.

“Ask questions and maintain a learning attitude,” Thomas Cherian said. “This job is not meant to be done solo. Rather, it takes a team to build our future generations.”