Maryland Teacher of the Year to Speak at Regional Forum
Dec. 2011
Joshua Parker, an English language arts teacher at Windsor Mill Middle School in Baltimore County and Maryland's 2011–12 Teacher of the Year, will speak to educators at the 2012 Middle States Regional Forum.
Parker, who has been recognized for his uncommon drive, leadership and teaching, will be among the highlights at the annual event, which will be held in Baltimore Jan. 23–24.
He earned a bachelor's degree in sports communication from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland and a master's degree in leadership in teaching. He serves as an English, reading and world language teacher as well as an English language arts teacher at both New Town High School and Dundalk Middle School.
Parker's exceptional work has gone beyond the classroom. He also has organized a middle school all-male reading club; directed a top-10 finishing Black Saga Team; coached a boys’ junior varsity basketball team; coordinated a summer program directed at engaging local youth; and implemented a comprehensive after-school program at two middle schools.
“Joshua Parker is an education trailblazer who has proven to be an extraordinary leader in the teaching profession. He goes beyond the day-to-day demands of his position to create an exceptional learning environment,” said interim State Superintendent of Schools Bernard J. Sadusky. "Maryland education is an industry leader not only because of the efficacy of its programs but also because of the skills of its highly qualified educators. It is because of such dedicated teachers like Joshua Parker that students will follow a successful academic path and be college and career ready in the 21st century.
Parker has said that growing up as an African American often made him feel separated from his peers, but he was inspired by the stories of other African American men who changed the world using intelligence, candor and wit.
"Teaching was the way that I could use the knowledge of my heritage, the love of English content, and the universal need that I saw to make a difference," Parker said. "Looking back over my brief but expansive teaching career, I can’t help but smile. I get opportunities to impart passion, wisdom, content knowledge, and love I have to students. Yet my greatest achievements include providing students with a dependable role model, helping them conceptualize the purpose and power of English while helping them achieve on standardized tests."
Parker's presentation is among many highlights at this year’s event. Click here to register now.
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