Jan. 9, 2020

Sappington Elementary School Principal Dr. Ta’Keshia Parker has been recognized as the Exemplary New Principal from the St. Louis Suburban Elementary Principal Association (SLSEPA). Dr. Parker is currently serving in her third year as principal at Sappington Elementary School.

“Dr. Parker leads with passion, prioritizing student needs above all else,” said Dr. Craig Hamby, director of elementary education. “Dr. Parker is extremely passionate and has had a great impact on her students and the community in her years at Sappington.”

Under Dr. Parker’s leadership, Sappington implemented Lesson Study for Sappington's K-5 teachers, allowing teachers to observe one another and identify best practices to benefit all Sappington students. She has led professional development for teachers to create student-led conferences, co-teaching opportunities, innovation spaces, increase student engagement, and develop additional STEM integration for curriculum.

“Dr. Parker always puts children first,” Crestwood Elementary School Principal Dr. Jodi Oliver wrote in her nomination letter. “You can find her regularly having one-on-one discussions with students, checking in on students who need regular support, and wearing her fanny pack speaker to get kids pumped up to be at school. She builds relationships with students like no other principal I have seen.”

Dr. Parker has 14 years of education experience in the Kirkwood and Lindbergh school districts. She earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Maryville University, a master of arts in school administration from Lindenwood University, a master of arts in teaching from Webster University and a bachelor of arts in English at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Dr. Parker served as assistant principal of Sappington Elementary School for two years before moving into the school’s top leadership position. In 2015, Dr. Parker was selected as Kirkwood School District’s Teacher of the Year by her peers, for her excellent work as a third-grade teacher at Keysor Elementary School. She also served as an administrator for Kirkwood’s Jump Start summer school program, assessing data to determine student achievement and assisting students with a smooth transition into the new school year.