(May 1, 2015)

Alumna awarded prestigious Milken Educator Award

SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary elementary education alumna Lindsey Parker '05 was awarded the prestigious Milken Educator Award—and its accompanying $25,000 cash prize—before a school-wide assembly at North DeSoto Elementary in DeSoto Parish, Louisiana, this February.

Parker hones her outstanding instructional skills as a master teacher in TAP: The System for Teacher and Student Advancement, a comprehensive initiative implemented district-wide that is focused on increasing educator effectiveness and improving student achievement growth.

Parker is one of about 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 the state of Louisiana. The Milken Award recognizes exemplary elementary and secondary school teachers, principals, and specialists who are furthering excellence in education.

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.

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

"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."

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 percent—from 22 percent to 42 percent—between 2011 and 2014. North DeSoto 3-5 was identified by the Louisiana Department of Education as a Top Gains School with over 13 percent student growth, and its grade as determined by the state accountability system has gone from "C" to "B."

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

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.