Teacher Spotlight: Kevin Perez, Middle School Math Teacher at Shorecrest Preparatory School

With two decades in the classroom, Kevin Perez brings both experience and perspective to his work with middle school students. Now in his eighth year at Shorecrest Preparatory School, he teaches Algebra 1, Algebra 1 Honors and Geometry Honors, while also staying closely connected to students through coaching and travel experiences. Known for his approachable style and quick sense of humor, Perez meets students where they are, encouraging both academic growth and personal confidence. His impact extends well beyond the classroom, shaping meaningful relationships that support students during a pivotal stage of development.

How long have you been teaching?

Kevin Perez: This is my 20th year teaching, my 8th year at Shorecrest.

What grades and subjects do you teach?

Kevin Perez:  I teach Algebra 1, Algebra 1 Honors, and Geometry Honors, and occasionally an eighth grade coding elective.

What is your favorite thing about teaching middle school students?

Kevin Perez: It’s the age group. Middle schoolers are still figuring out who they are, and they haven’t fully settled into fixed mindsets. They’re willing to take academic and social risks, and they have a great sense of humor about it. That aligns well with how I approach teaching. I don’t take myself too seriously, and I enjoy meeting them at that level.

What has been the highlight of your teaching career?

Kevin Perez: Honestly, working at Shorecrest. I came from a public high school setting in another part of the country, and this has been a completely different experience. The level of support from students, colleagues, administration and families has made a meaningful difference. It wasn’t until I got here that I realized what I had been missing.

How do you engage with students outside the classroom?

Kevin Perez: I’m a varsity football coach and coach both middle school and varsity track, focusing on hurdles. I also tutor students for the SAT and PSAT. Beyond campus, I travel with eighth graders each year to Washington, D.C., and have chaperoned international trips to Italy and Greece with the junior class.

Where is your favorite place on campus at your school?

Kevin Perez: The football field. It holds a lot of memories, and there’s a real sense of pride every time I step onto it.

How do you recharge after a long week?

Kevin Perez:  Weekends are all about family. I spend time with two of my granddaughters, along with my daughter and son-in-law. During the week, I enjoy cooking with my wife and reading — quite a bit.

How can parents best support their child’s teachers?

Kevin Perez: Trust and partnership go a long way. Middle school students are learning independence and will test boundaries — that’s part of the process. What we see at school can sometimes look different from what parents see at home, but we’re working toward the same goal. When parents and teachers stay aligned, students are the ones who benefit most.

Can you tell us a funny or encouraging story from one of your travel chaperoning experiences?

Kevin Perez: Every trip with students has its share of fun and funny moments. The first one that comes to mind was my first year going to D.C. with the eighth graders. We were lucky enough to have snow, which for several students, was a first. (There were initially some tears and complaining because, despite our pre-trip warnings, a few decided to wear sandals with socks and were … a bit cold). At one point we were walking through one of the parks and one of our other teachers decided to throw a snowball. This quickly devolved into an all-out snowball fight with teachers and students. I was using my umbrella as a shield which was a bad idea as there wasn't much left of it by the end.

The yearly trip to D.C. is always exhausting for students and teachers, but it's something we as teachers look forward to because it always brings the kids closer as a group. Whenever I mention to the high school athletes during track that I'll be out for the week in DC, they say “they (the eighth graders) don't even realize how many core memories they are about to make.”

 Do you have any tips for helping our middle schoolers with math homework at home?

Kevin Perez: Use your resources provided and stop relying on YouTube shorts and/or AI. A lot of times these can be useful, but often they are seeing a different explanation of the topic they're struggling with, which can just cause more confusion. Also, don't stay up late struggling to figure it out on your own. Put it away and get some sleep. See the teacher the next day. We want to help; it's why we're here! A lot of students feel intimidated to ask questions or to appear afraid we will judge them for not ‘getting it' right away OR they don't want the other students to see them that way.

What are some of your favorite places to enjoy as a family in Tampa Bay?

Kevin Perez:  I don't have a specific favorite place, but we have enjoyed kayaking, going to the aquarium and the beaches. Anything outdoors.

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Originally published in the May 2026 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine