October 25, 2021 – John Parciak, a dual language second grade teacher at Kreitner Elementary School, has been selected as one of Emerson’s 2021 Excellence in Teaching Award recipients.
Mr. Parciak is among more than 80 teachers from across the St. Louis metropolitan area who are being recognized this year through the annual program that honors “truly outstanding educational excellence.”
He was nominated by Kreitner Principal Dr. Kari Daugherty, who wrote; “…he gives of himself and his time to make a positive impact at all levels both inside and outside the classroom, and beyond the nine-month school year.”
During his eight years at Kreitner, Mr. Parciak has completed his Master’s degree and served on multiple district- and building-level committees, including: Building Leadership Team, PBIS Team, district EL Department/Committee and REACH summer program, in addition to PTA and union leadership positions.
“He is always a student of teaching,” said Dr. Daugherty, “seeking evidence-based methods of instruction, designing approaches to further personalize instruction and learning for his students, and identifying and piloting programs to meet students’ individual needs and goals.”
Parciak’s successes reach far beyond his professional achievements to include important social-emotional support for his students and their families. He fosters relationships with his students that address social traumas, well-being and academic mindset.
“Saying his students love him does not do justice to how much his students care for him and how much they cherish him as a teacher,” according to Dr. Daugherty. “Because of his work in the biliterate classroom, John has been able to establish strong relationships with parents who now trust him implicitly. These relationships are the bedrock of our students’ and our school’s success because we serve a population of people who struggle with communication and are hesitant to trust.”
Dr. Daugherty added,“He is a quiet and constant support who provides guidance and input with students’ best interest always at the forefront. He is an irreplaceable member of our Kreitner family!”
The Emerson Excellence in Teaching Awards, now in its 32nd year, is one of the St. Louis region’s most recognized teacher recognition programs. The program annually recognizes educators in the St. Louis metropolitan area – from kindergarten teachers to college professors – who are examples of excellence in their field.
“Emerson is proud to sponsor this program as a way of helping the St. Louis community express our collective admiration and gratitude for your dedication to teaching our area’s students,” said Emerson Vice President of Diversity and Social Responsibility Akberet Boykin Farr.
During the week of November 15, all recipients will receive their Excellence in Teaching Award from Emerson by delivery to their school address. The package will include an engraved crystal apple from Tiffany & Co. and other tokens of appreciation. This year’s honorees will be recognized in a commemorative advertisement that will appear in the Sunday edition of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on November 21, 2021.