"I don't think that technology is the answer to all of the problems in the education field, it will never replace the need for living, breathing, caring teachers," Mrs. Pardee said.

She believes that technology is useful for motivating and stimulating students. Computers, for example, make researching more interesting and exciting. Mrs. Pardee also believes it is necessary for children to be comfortable using computers in order to facilitate their future entrance into the work field.

The dedication that Mrs. Pardee shows towards keeping her and other teachers up to date characterizes both her and her husband's teaching careers.

"The Pardees are phenomenal teachers," said Elvira Pupo, the principal at Pinecrest Elementary. "They expect a lot from their students, and they give a lot when teaching them."

When speaking of Mr. Pardee, Pupo relates her experience with him as both a teacher and a parent. She recalls when her son had Mr. Pardee as a sixth grade math teacher.

"After having him as a teacher, my son was able to transfer into a prestigious private school at one grade above his level in math," Pupo said.

"They were shocked that he was coming from a public school with such a strong background in math. I think it was Mr. Pardee who made that possible," she added.

Mary Joe Meyer, who taught at Pinecrest Elementary for 21 years, is another teacher who knows the Pardees both as a colleague and a parent.

"They are both very hard working and dedicated. My two children were taught by both of them and received a solid foundation in which they were able to grow and develop from."

Even though their teaching styles are different, Mr. and Mrs. Pardee have a tremendous amount of respect for each other. Their different styles are due partially to the different courses they teach. Mrs. Pardee is a third grade teacher, who entails teaches all subjects, while Mr. Pardee teaches fifth grade math, a subject which he believes to be more defined and straight forward.

"I have the kids all day, so I need to work hard to be creative and interesting so that I can keep their attention," Mrs. Pardee said.

Mr. Pardee describes his style as being "more direct teaching," where the only tool he needs is his "natural personality."

Both teachers decided they wanted to teach elementary grade levels early on in their careers, thinking that the younger the children, the more open they are to new ideas. This openness is especially vital in Mrs. Pardee's classroom where students are introduced to technology that is often intimidating.