Torey Parker

For the past 10 years I have worked as a teacher, administrator, and mentor. After earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Alcorn State University, I then obtained a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from the same university. In 2019-20, I was a member of the Mississippi State University Educational Leadership Cohort Program and obtained my Educational Specialist degree in August 2020. I hold certifications in the area of K-12 non practicing administrator, K-12 guidance counselor, special education, general biology, and general science. I believe that every leader needs a toolbox of strategies to be able to address staff, students, and community. The behaviors, attitudes or methods of delivery that are effective for one staff member may in fact be counterproductive for another. I also believe that college is an opportunity for students to become successful citizens of our nation. It is a place where young adults connect with lifelong friends, find their true passion and grow. College is designed for individuals to become their own unique selves, whereas E. W. Wilcox once quoted, “Life is not about finding yourself, but life is about creating yourself.” Through my diverse journey of serving and servicing in the school system, I have found that my success has enabled me to “find and create” the educator I have become.

Throughout my life, I have been involved with supporting others. There have been memorable and proud moments during my career up to this point. I build strong relationships with the community, students, and staff everywhere I go to ensure the success of all stakeholders involved. I have served the Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi, Parkview Elementary School, Magnolia Middle School, East Jasper School District, and Liberty County School District in several capacities. As an experienced and motivated professional with exceptional leadership and interpersonal abilities, I am prepared to significantly contribute to the goals in this role. My background includes supporting students and improving their skills to reach their full potential, evaluating individual performances, and serving as a positive role model by supporting and encouraging mentees in their social, academic, and emotional development. I excel at collaborating with cross-functional teams, demonstrating superb active listening skills, and exceeding personal and corporate objectives. My experiences also include coaching and mentoring peers throughout different organizations, assisting youth in identifying anger, and giving anger management techniques. My skills in mentoring and leadership have been finely honed, and I am confident my additional strengths will readily translate to your environment. I have been privileged to succeed in various capacities in Mississippi and Georgia with Meridian Public School District, East Jasper School District, Savannah Chatham County School District, and Liberty County School District in several capacities, making me proud daily of my passion and decision to be an educator. In 2013, my first year of teaching, I was afforded the opportunity to direct the mighty voices of the Magnolia Middle School, known as the Magnolia 100. During that time, we were featured in the prestigious magazine, Legends. In the East Jasper school District, I led over 70% of the students in passing State’s Algebra 1 assessment. I produced collegiate dancers and drum majors within a year's time frame, and assisted and aided several students in receiving scholarships that totaled over one hundred thousand dollars. I cultivated show stopping choirs for each matriculation (Elementary, Middle and High Schools) within the East Jasper School District to include a Graduation choir and served as the low brass band instructor for the Heidelberg Marching Band. These results are a testimony to my commitment to student and school success. After my tenure with the East Jasper School District in 2017, I returned to Meridian Public School District, ready to make a difference. I served as the Positive Behavior Intervention Support Coordinator for Parkview Elementary and as the Parkview’s 5th grade Science instructor. As the PBIS coordinator, I partnered with Walmart and received over 100 boxes of toys for our PBIS store in which students could buy prizes if they produced excellent behavior qualities. During the Christmas holiday season, I made sure that every student at Parkview Elementary School went home with a toy for Christmas. As the 5th grade science instructor, my students were projected to score at or above 75% proficiency on the MAPP State Assessment. I lead a team of first year teachers who showed the most growth in ELA and Mathematics. As team leader, my team has led Parkview in every category and because of the team's results, Parkview was the highest performing school in the district after state assessment. Over 86.1% of my students passed the state test and 60% scored proficient or advanced on the assessment. Last year, I had the highest scale score in the Meridian Public School District and because of this, my science score was the only one used for grading in the whole district while every other school in MPSD used their previous year state assessment science scores towards the accountability model in the 2018-19 school year. My belief is that student academics take care of student discipline. So many times, teachers concentrate on the way children should behave; however, I believe if educators concentrate less on discipline and focus on student achievement any district can have high performing schools. I also believe that high expectations, including content vocabulary and positive study skills are vital for success. I believe that all students should be acquainted with language and learn definitions in context to allow them to gain a solid knowledge of particular areas of study. This allows a solid foundation for students to think critically and pass any test given. Equally important, teaching students' effective ways of studying helps prepare them for any area of concentration that they may pursue. By using these techniques, I have found that all of my accomplishments have one thing in common. THEY WERE ALL DONE WITHIN LESS THAN A YEAR!!! It does not take me long to establish myself and students nor build effective teams that produce high quality work/results.

• Mississippi State University, Meridian, Mississippi Ed.S in Educational Administration(2020)
• Alcorn State University, Lorman, Mississippi M.S in Secondary Education (2011) 
• Alcorn State University, Lorman, Mississippi B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies (2009)