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DeSoto Parish, Louisiana, Master Teacher Receives $25,000 Milken Educator Award

 “Oscar of Teaching” Goes to Lindsey Parker of North DeSoto Elementary 3-5 for Mentoring Teachers and Students Alike 

February 27, 2015

SANTA MONICA, CA—Lindsey Parker got the surprise of her career today when she was presented with the prestigious Milken Educator Award—and its accompanying $25,000 cash prize—before a schoolwide assembly at North DeSoto Elementary 3-5 in DeSoto Parish, Louisiana. Parker hones her outstanding instructional skills as a master teacher in TAP: The System for Teacher and Student Advancement, a comprehensive initiative implemented districtwide that is focused on increasing educator effectiveness and improving student achievement growth.

DeSoto Parish Schools Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley and National Institute for Excellence in Teaching President and Milken Educator Dr. Gary Stark (AR ’01) delivered the news of the award.

Parker is one of up to 40 recipients across the country this school year who will be receiving the honor during the 2014–15 season and is the sole recipient in Louisiana. The Milken Award recognizes exemplary elementary and secondary school teachers, principals and specialists who are furthering excellence in education.

“We’ve been presenting these awards for almost 30 years because we believe—and the research proves it—that effective educators represent the most important school-based factor in improving student performance,” said Lowell Milken, chairman and co-founder of the Milken Family Foundation. “Lindsey Parker is a true leader who helps drive instructional excellence at North DeSoto 3-5 and serves as a valuable mentor throughout the district, state and at national levels.”

Along with the fanfare and recognition, Parker now belongs to the Milken Educator Network of more than 2,600 K–12 teachers, principals and specialists from around the country.

“Mrs. Parker is a passionate, knowledgeable, and driven educator committed to our mission of ensuring learning for all students,” said Brumley. “She represents the incredible instructional talent we have within our system and, with this honor, she assumes the responsibility of being a faithful ambassador for the fantastic work we’re doing in DeSoto Parish.”

Hailing from a family of educators, Lindsey Parker is a role model in her unflagging enthusiasm as a lifelong learner and her willingness to do whatever it takes to help others reach their fullest potential. In her position as a master teacher, Parker shares leadership responsibilities with the principal through conducting weekly professional development meetings tied to overall goals, supporting teachers in the classroom by modeling exemplary instructional practices, team-teaching and targeting strategies that fit specific student needs, and providing regular and meaningful feedback to her colleagues that help move the school forward.

Parker is admired for her challenging, research-based and thought-provoking lessons. She draws from her previous experience as a Language Arts teacher in the district to excel as a teacher leader at North DeSoto Elementary 3-5, where she has worked since 2010. Her roots in DeSoto Parish as a resident and graduate of Logansport High School also add richness to her craft and commitment to student growth.

Parker’s contributions have helped lead the campus to measurable progress. The percentage of students performing at Mastery or Advanced levels in Language Arts at her school has risen by 20%—from 22% to 42%—between 2011 and 2014. North DeSoto 3-5 was identified by the Louisiana Department of Education as a Top Gains School with over 13% student growth, and its grade as determined by the state accountability system has gone from “C” to “B.”

Parker has made an equally impressive impact throughout her district presenting model lessons and curriculum based on the TAP Instructional Rubrics and through her mentoring of colleagues at all stages of their careers. She is known for rolling up her sleeves and getting to work, particularly when there is a new challenge to pursue. She models lifelong learning for students and colleagues alike, including mentoring new master teachers. Parker is happiest when she is teaching, and her energy and enthusiasm motivate others.

Beyond the school, Parker is the liaison for parents and community partners and provides workshops to assist stakeholders in supporting students. A talented and sought-after leader, Parker has participated in a number of district, state and national conferences, trainings and leadership committees. Activities have included presenting at the National TAP Conference, creating guidebooks and assessments for English Language Arts (ELA) academic standards, and serving as a teacher leader and advisor for the Louisiana Department of Education—in which Parker trains educators statewide.

For photos and video of Parker receiving her Milken Educator Award, visit http://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/educators/view/lindsey-parker.  

The Milken Family Foundation first presented the Milken Educator Awards in 1987. Since that time, it has become the nation’s preeminent teacher recognition program and was dubbed the “Oscars of Teaching” by Teacher magazine. More than $137 million in funding, including over $65 million in individual $25,000 awards, has been devoted to the overall program, which includes powerful professional development opportunities throughout recipients’ careers. 

In Louisiana, 30 recipients have been presented with the Milken Educator Award since the program began there in 2001.

Alternating yearly between elementary and secondary educators, the Awards are sourced through each participating state and recommendations are made to MFF. Past recipients have used their Awards to finance their children’s education or their own continuing education. Others have financed dream field trips, established scholarships and even funded the adoption of children.

To get regular updates on notifications, follow the #TeachForTheStars and #MilkenAward hashtags on Twitter and Instagram.

For information about the Milken Educator Awards, visit http://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/newsroom/media-kit or call MFF at (310) 570-4775.  Like the Awards at www.facebook.com/milkeneducatorawards, follow us at www.twitter.com/milken and watch the reaction videos at www.youtube.com/milkenaward.

The Milken Educator Awards program, created by the Milken Family Foundation, was launched in 1987. The Awards provide public recognition and individual financial rewards of $25,000 to elementary and secondary school teachers, principals and specialists from around the country who are furthering excellence in education. Recipients are heralded in early to mid-career for what they have achieved and for the promise of what they will accomplish.

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