³In a time when college and career readiness is an expectation for all students exiting high school and entering a global economy, it is more obvious that students that are economically disadvantaged and live in underserved communities have schools that are not preparing them adequately,² Parker said. ³I am excited to have an opportunity to learn more so I can do more and be a voice to support, improve, and impact schools and students in high-poverty areas.²
Dr. Parker believes leadership development to be key for sustainability. He recently became more passionate about and devoted more time and focus to leadership development at the school level, as well as mentoring new principals.
PDK International, the education association that has recognized Dr. Parker as an up-and-coming leader in education, will host him and 25 other education change agents at a weekend networking event this December. The PDK Emerging Leaders will gather in Washington, D.C., meet with federal education policy makers, and share best practices with each other.
³Recognizing the achievements and commitment of these young leaders is vital to PDK¹s vision of cultivating tomorrow¹s great educators,² said William J. Bushaw, PDK International¹s chief executive officer. ³These inspiring individuals will provide a very bright future for the field of education.²
PDK International, publisher of Kappan magazine, is a professional association for educators that brings together the top leaders, thinkers, and doers to collaborate and inspire one another. Every year, it recognizes a new class of PDK Emerging Leaders. For more information on PDK¹s 2014-2015 Class of Emerging Leaders, go to http://www.pdkemergingleaders.org.
Information about PDK International is at http://www.pdkintl.org or contact Melanie Keller at 812-269-6624 / mkeller@pdkintl.org
