Dalen Parker
I am an AACPS: Special Education Teacher, Tracey’s Elementary | 22-23 Rising Star
We are excited to spotlight Dalen Parker. Dalen Parker is a 22-23 Rising Star Teacher.
Mr. Parker was nominated by the school’s principal, Heather Garris. The Tracey’s Elementary School Special Education Grade teacher is a Lynn University alum.
We had an opportunity to talk with Dalen about being recognized as a Rising Star Teacher.
Here are a few highlights of the conversation:
Describe who you are in 5 words or less.
What was your motivation to go into education?
What would you tell yourself about your potential as an educator?
What one thing do you love about working in your school?
I would split them up in two different ways. For my students, it’s that light bulb. When they smile and say they understand. When it comes to the community it’s kind of the same thing, they are able to bring people together. They support us in a big way.
What is your favorite memory of your family and friends supporting you on your journey as an educator?
My third grade teacher, shout out to Ms. Mandy Brew. She has stuck with me since I was in 3rd grade. She went to my high school graduation. She saw me go through college, and she’s always been THAT teacher.
Thinking about the future of education, what are you most excited about for schools?
What is one hidden talent you have that no one, or few people, knows about and would surprise them?
I am actually a second degree black belt and I taught martial arts to children.
If you had to make a time capsule about this year as rising star teacher and you had to include an item, an image, a quote and a song/melody, what would you include?
My schedule. Even after teaching for now, almost two years, I still carry my schedule around. “Son, you made it. You are official.” This is YOUR schedule. Another artifact is my desk. The the feeling I had when I walked into the room and my two teammates greeted me and they said this is your desk. I never thought about it, but I felt accomplished at that moment. At Tracey’s we start the day with “Happy” by Pharrell, so that is the song. The quote, “At Tracey’s Elementary anything is possible!”
What is one reason why someone should choose to become a teacher?
If you’re elementary school teacher, people don’t realize that you’re building the foundation for the next generation to come. Step up to the task. You can do it.
Louis Nesbitt, PDM Department
The journey of an educator is a lifetime. We are thankful to those who have chosen to embark on this path. As a community, one of our greatest capacities is availability, so when the opportunities arise, find your own way to support education.
