One-of-a-kind.
That’s a phrase that accurately describes Wilson’s art and photography teacher
Ms. Parker, whose support for her students and zeal for art education are now
being recognized nationally.
Ms. Parker was
awarded the Pacific Region’s Secondary Art Educator of the Year by the National
Art Educator Association (NAEA). Of the 50,000 members in the NAEA, Ms. Parker
was singled out for the Pacific Region as an art teacher whose positive
influence sets her apart from the crowd.
The award’s
emphasis is on leadership displayed by an individual art educator. Ms. Parker fits
the bill, as she has been an active member of the NAEA and Oregon Art Education
Association (OAEA) since she began her teaching career in 1980. She also has gone
above and beyond to spread recognition for the importance of art education. To
Ms. Parker, that is what this award is all about.
“I hope this makes
students, parents and teachers realize how important art education is to
schools,” Ms. Parker said. “That is the whole reason why I am an active member
in the fight for art education.”
As of late, more
and more art programs are being cut from schools. Legislators believe that math
and English are more important than art. Ms. Parker believes that art is just
as important. She has been trying to raise art awareness since first joining
the OAEA by organizing community outreach projects to show the artwork of
students. An example of this is the upcoming show at Baker and Spice, a local
bakery, which exhibits artwork by high school students, many of whom are from
Wilson. She believes that by keeping art programs alive it helps students
develop their own personal voice. “One thing that will never become obsolete is
creative ideas,” Ms. Parker said. “Without art programs, students get short-changed.”
To
senior Elise Smith, who is in Ms. Parker’s Advanced Placement photography
class, Ms. Parker is passionate, patient, and creative when it comes to
teaching and photography. “When she talks about art, a light comes to her eyes
that let’s you know how passionate she is about it,” Smith said. “She takes the
time to help anyone and understands that all students learn differently.”
Beginning photography student Carmen Alzaga-Elizondo, a junior, says that Ms.
Parker is a generous teacher always working for her students.
When Ms. Parker
was in high school, her own art teacher inspired her to pursue a career in art
education. Now she hopes to inspire others to follow the same path with this
award. “I would never be where I am today without the great role models I had
when I was a young teacher,” Ms. Parker said.
Another aspect of
the award Ms. Parker is excited about is the chance to get to go to New York
City for the NAEA conference. It is there that she will be honored with the
award in front of other members. “I hope it will be inspiring and motivating to
the 5,000 people who are going to be there.”
This award is,
according to her students, well-deserved by their art teacher. “It’s pretty
tough to be an art teacher because you’re working with so many different styles
and levels of talent, but Ms. Parker is so enthusiastic about it and
appreciates everyone’s individual work,” Smith said.