Parker Love of Teaching Award Winners
2022: Congratulations Mrs. Kash!
Kathy Kash, Smith Elementary teacher, is the recipient of the 2022 Parker Love of Teaching and Lifelong Learning Award.
Kash was surprised with the award at an assembly in the Smith gymnasium May 26. Bev Parker, the founder of the award, Superintendent Dr. Kyle Ramey and members of Kash's family were on hand to honor the long-time educator.
The Parker Love of Teaching and Lifelong Learning Award is given annually to an Oakwood Schools’ teacher who has taught in the district for more than five years and is known for their enthusiasm, empowerment and infectious curiosity in the classroom. Kash is the 12th winner of the award, which Bev Parker founded in 2010 in honor of her late husband, Bob Parker
In addition to the surprise ceremony recognizing the teacher, the award comes with a cash prize for the teacher and their school, a custom art piece created by an Oakwood High School student, and this year, a yoga mat to recognize Mrs. Kash's love of yoga. The Parker Award is supported by the work of The Oakwood Schools Foundation. For more information about The Oakwood Schools Foundation, visit their website at oakwoodschoolsfoundation.org.
2021: Fleck Surprised as 11th Parker Love of Teaching Award Winner
An Oakwood teacher known for his passion of history and creative teaching methods is the latest recipient of the Parker Love of Teaching and Lifelong Learning Award.
The Oakwood Schools Foundation presented Harman School sixth grade teacher Tim Fleck with the annual award Thursday, May 13. Fleck has been a teacher in the Oakwood Schools for more than 17 years.
Fleck received letters of nomination from parents of his current students as well as fellow staff members at Harman. Letters of support flowed in from other community members and former students. One nominator remarked on Fleck’s ability to reach all of his students.
“Mr. Fleck understands how his students are sponges and will absorb anything that is presented in a creative and interesting manner. He clearly goes above and beyond the basic expectations of a teacher, to invite his students on a journey of knowledge and learning.”
One of his former students said Fleck’s lessons created an interest in ancient cultures that remains today but just as important were the life lessons learned in his class.
“We had many lively discussions in class that made me realize just how many different angles people can take when looking at history. He also taught me many non-school related lessons as well; things that might not be relevant to grades but made me a much better person. For one unit I was a team leader. I learned much about cooperating with others, leadership, communication, motivation and delegation skills which will be important my whole life.”
Now in it’s 11th year, the Parker Award was established by former Harman teacher Beverly Parker in loving memory of her husband Bob Parker.
“We feel such a close bond with the Oakwood education system. We have always believed the teachers in the Oakwood Schools are exceptional and give much of themselves for the betterment of the children in our community,” Parker said.
“Our family cannot think of a better way to give back to the schools than to honor the special teachers that go above and beyond what is expected of them. This award is one way we can show our appreciation and gratitude for all they do for our children.”
The Parker Award honors a teacher who has taught in the District for at least five years and who uniquely inspires the full potential of each student with whom he or she works.
The Oakwood Schools Foundation congratulates Mr. Fleck on being the 11th recipient of The Parker Love of Teaching Award and thanks all the parents, students, teachers and community members who nominated teachers and wrote letters of support. The Foundation thanks Bev Parker for her generosity and vision in establishing this important award.
2020: Blythe Named 10th Annual Parker Love of Teaching Recipient
Citing her “unwavering devotion,” connection with students and encouraging nature, the nominations for this year’s Oakwood SchoolsFoundation Parker Love of Teaching and Lifelong Learning Award winner describe an educator who continues to make a difference in her students’ lives, even in these unprecedented times.
This year’s winner is Family and Consumer Science teacher Leslie Blythe. Blythe, a 30-year veteran of Oakwood Schools, becomes the 10th winner of the award established by Beverly Parker, a former Harman teacher, in loving memory of her husband Bob. The award, presented each spring, honors a current Oakwood teacher who uniquely inspires the full potential of each student with whom he or she works.
“We feel such a close bond with the Oakwood education system. We have always believed the teachers in the Oakwood Schools are exceptional and give much of themselves for the betterment of the children in our community,” Parker said. “Our family cannot think of a better way to give back to the schools than to honor the special teachers who go above and beyond what is expected of them. This award is one way we can show our appreciation and gratitude for all they do for our children.”
A fellow Oakwood teacher/parent and a number of students wrote letters on behalf of Blythe’s nomination.
In nominating Blythe for the award, one student wrote, “Mrs. Blythe is a role model to me, and is one of the most genuinely friendly and caring teachers at Oakwood High School. Her unwavering devotion to the school and all the people in it is so amazing. I truly hope that in the future, I will be able to have such a positive impact on another person’s life as she had on mine.”
A fellow teacher wrote in her nomination letter, “Her modeling of curiosity energizes the students. The effects of which can be seen years later. They may not stay with sewing and they may not know how to cook what she taught them, but, because of her, they have more confidence in their abilities to take risks, to look more deeply, and make connections. It is those connections that are holding students together during this quarantine.”
Another student shared that “no matter how badly I cooked, or how poorly I sewed, she never once got frustrated or impatient or gave up…always taking the time to cater to our individual issues, and did so gladly, with humility.”
One student summed up the impact Blythe has on her students. Her mentorship does not end on graduation day. She maintains relationships, keeps up with students’ pains, fears, joys accomplishments and milestones. “Mrs. Blythe will forever continue to share her encouragement with students just like me.”
The Oakwood Schools Foundation congratulates Blythe on being the 10th recipient of The Parker Love of Teaching Award and thanks all the alumni, parents, students and community members who nominated teachers and wrote letters of support. The Foundation thanks Bev Parker for her generosity and vision in establishing this important award.
2019: Morris Receives OSF’s 9th Annual Parker Love of Teaching Award
OHS English Teacher and Academic Decathlon adviser Lori Morris is the 2019 recipient of the Parker Love of Teaching and Lifelong Learning Award. The award, presented each spring, honors a current Oakwood teacher who uniquely inspires the full potential of each student with whom he or she works. A number of students and parents wrote letters on behalf of Morris’ nomination.
“Mrs. Morris cares so very deeply for each one of her students. She clearly understands the unique needs, personalities and strengths of every person in her classroom. She cautiously shelters each student’s hopes and anxieties. She is always present to provide encouragement when challenges arise and likewise genuinely celebrates every accomplishment, no matter the caliber,” one nominating student said.
The Parker Award was established in 2011 by Beverly Parker, a former Harman teacher, in loving memory of her husband Bob.
“We feel such a close bond with the Oakwood education system. We have always believed the teachers in the Oakwood Schools are exceptional and give much of themselves for the betterment of the children in our community,” Parker said. “Our family cannot think of a better way to give back to the schools than to honor the special teachers who go above and beyond what is expected of them. This award is one way we can show our appreciation and gratitude for all they do for our children.”
In nominating Morris for the award, one parent wrote, “Lori Morris shows her students not just how to succeed, but how to lead. Her upperclassmen are taught to shape, encourage and champion younger students while experiencing the profound satisfaction that comes from being a mentor. She has built a symbiotic team of competitive learners, with a contagious drive to excel.”
Another student shared that “as an English teacher, Mrs. Morris emphasizes the articulation and exchange of ideas. I always look forward to class discussions because they feel organic and relevant to high school students, even though they relate to our study of established works of literature.”
One parent summed up the impact Morris has on her students, “Quite simply – their love of learning is a reflection of her love of teaching.”
The Oakwood Schools Foundation congratulates Morris on being the ninth recipient of The Parker Love of Teaching Award and thanks all the alumni, parents, students and community members who nominated teachers and wrote letters of support. The Foundation thanks Bev Parker for her generosity and vision in establishing this important award.
2018: Irwin Becomes 8th Recipient of Parker Love of Teaching Award
Congratulations to Smith sixth grade teacher Lynne Irwin, the eighth recipient of the Parker Love of Teaching and Lifelong Learning Award. The award, presented each spring, honors a current Oakwood teacher who uniquely inspires the full potential of each student with whom he or she works.
Irwin has taught for 20 years in Oakwood, as a third grader teacher at Harman School and as both a fourth and sixth grade teacher at Smith. Previously, she taught in Hudson, Ohio and Texas. In nominating Irwin for the award, one parent wrote, “Lynne’s dedication and patience with our most challenging students is unmatched. She will not let any child slip through the cracks and considers each student her own and treats them as such.”
Beverly Parker, a former Harman teacher, established the Parker Award in 2011, in loving memory of her husband, Bob.
“Our family cannot think of a better way to give back to the schools than to honor the special teachers who go above and beyond what is expected of them. This award is one way we can show our appreciation and gratitude for all they do for our children,” Parker said.
The Oakwood Schools Foundation thanks all the parents, students, teachers and community members who nominated teachers and Parker for her generosity and vision in establishing this important award.
2017: Nate Thompson Receives The Oakwood Schools Foundation’s 7th Annual Parker Love of Teaching Award
Surrounded by enthusiastic students, fellow faculty, parents and family members, Nate Thompson received The Oakwood Schools Foundation’s seventh annual Parker Love of Teaching and Lifelong Learning Award Tuesday, May 30. Thompson, a 15-year veteran of Oakwood City Schools, is a music teacher at E. D. Smith Elementary School.
The Parker Award honors a teacher who has taught in the District for at least five years and who uniquely inspires the full potential of each student with whom he or she works. Beverly Parker, a former Harman teacher, established The Parker Award in 2011 in loving memory of her husband, Bob.
“We feel such a close bond with the Oakwood education system. We have always believed that the teachers in the Oakwood Schools are exceptional and give much of themselves for the betterment of the children in our community,” said Bev. “Our family cannot think of a better way to give back to the schools than to honor the special teachers that go above and beyond what is expected of them. This award is one way that we can show our appreciation and gratitude for all they do for our children.”
In nominating Mr. Thompson for the award, one parent wrote, “In Mr. Thompson’s classroom, there are no barriers to learning. Every child is capable and can excel, all they need is to show a desire and he will give them the tools they need to make it happen.”
A fellow staff member added, “I have seen Nate empower students. If a student has an idea, he will work with them to bring it to fruition.” Another nominator reflected, “Mr. Thompson has this ability to encourage and support individual student interests, while also including the other students in the project, making them all feel special, included, creative, and that they have learned.”
The Oakwood Schools Foundation congratulates Mr. Thompson on being the seventh recipient of The Parker Love of Teaching Award and thanks all the parents, students, teachers and community members who nominated teachers and wrote letters of support. The Foundation thanks Bev Parker for her generosity and vision in establishing this important award.
2016: John Edwards Receives The Oakwood Schools Foundation’s Sixth Annual Parker Love of Teaching Award
Surrounded by enthusiastic students, fellow faculty, parents and former students, John Edwards received The Oakwood Schools Foundation’s sixth annual Parker Love of Teaching and Lifelong Learning Award on Tuesday, May 24. Edwards, a 17-year veteran of Oakwood City Schools, is a fourth-grade teacher at Harman Elementary School.
In nominating Mr. Edwards for the award, one parent wrote, “Mr. Edwards has a wonderful, unique way to handle not only the average student, and gifted student, but also students who have challenges that they face. It is done with great respect, patience, understanding, and guidance.” “He tailors his approach to each child and intuitively knows what they need to develop at such a critical juncture,” remarked another parent who nominated Edwards. Another nominator reflected, “Mr. Edwards is also a great communicator with parents and really shows that he takes an interest in each child’s education, growth and development, partnering with you to help make sure the child is receiving the support they need outside of school.”
The Oakwood Schools Foundation congratulates Mr. Edwards on being the sixth recipient of The Parker Love of Teaching Award and thanks all the parents, students, teachers and community members who nominated teachers and wrote letters of support. The Foundation thanks Bev Parker for her generosity and vision in establishing this important award.
2015: Kuntz Receives Oakwood Schools Foundation Parker Love of Teaching Award
With the familiar background of music and the voices of excited children, The Oakwood Schools Foundation presented Susan Kuntz, Harman Elementary School art teacher with the Parker Love of Teaching and Lifelong Learning Award at the conclusion of the sixth grade recognition ceremony. Ms. Kuntz has been an art teacher in the School District for more than 25 years.
Ms. Kuntz received letters of nomination from parents of her current students as well as staff members at Harman. Letters of support flowed in from other community members and former students as well. One nominator reflected, “Ms. Kuntz is a personal mentor to every student. She teaches, investigates their personality, connects with them and aids them in finding their own sense of creativity.” A fellow teacher added, “Her heart, her soul, and her mind are focused on teaching the whole child. She makes the effort to know her students and build relationships that contribute to a culture at Harman in which students feel they belong. Her students know that she believes they are important.”
“I don’t think I have walked into a house of a Harman family without seeing something produced in Susan’s classroom being proudly displayed,” remarked one parent. Some current students used these phrases when describing art with Ms. Kuntz:
-- “She shows us the project and at first I think it will be hard. But she demonstrates and lets you ask questions and I know I can do it!”
-- “Ms. Kuntz is thoughtful when she critiques my art.”
-- “I like the tools and the equipment. She taught me how to use an iron!”
-- “Art is my favorite special class.”
The Oakwood Schools Foundation congratulates Ms. Kuntz on being the fifth recipient of The Parker Love of Teaching Award and thanks all the parents, students, teachers and community members who nominated teachers and wrote letters of support. The Foundation thanks Bev Parker for her generosity and vision in establishing this important award.
2014: Ron Nelson Receives The Oakwood Schools Foundation’s Fourth Annual Parker Love of Teaching Award
Surrounded by enthusiastic high school band students, Ron Nelson received The Oakwood Schools Foundation’s fourth annual Parker Love of Teaching and Lifelong Learning Award at the Oakwood High School band concert on Wednesday, May 21. Ron Nelson, a 9-year veteran of Oakwood City Schools, heads up the District’s band program. In addition to the high school band, he is responsible for the junior high school and both elementary school band programs. Not only has the high school band doubled in size during his tenure, but Mr. Nelson has built a legacy by adding curricular and extra-curricular options, including: wind ensemble, concert band, jazz band, and pep band.
In addition to teaching during the school day, Mr. Nelson conducts the jazz bands for junior and senior high before school, oversees pep band for basketball games and select volleyball games, and conducts the high school spring musical pit orchestra. Letters of support flowed in from many grateful parents. One nominator reflected, “Ron has the uncanny ability to engage shy students who otherwise would not step up to join the band. He brings out the best in his band members and maximizes his students’ learning potential.”
Another shared with appreciation, “Ron has developed a family-like system that the students understand, respect and appreciate. Seniors and section leaders are responsible and accountable to mentor and teach underclassmen how to behave as a band member. Freshmen know that they are led by juniors and seniors, and they look forward to the day when they will lead.”
“Ron Nelson embodies all that the Parker Award stands for,” said Kathy Schoenlein, Oakwood Band Parents Association, Ways and Means Chair. “As one of Mr. Nelson’s current students told the selection committee, ‘Mr. Nelson puts the students first, before himself. Always.” Another family added: “The Mr. Nelson’s of this world are too few and far between - - - we are so grateful to have him here in Oakwood.”
2013: Tony Rainsberger Receives The Oakwood Schools Foundation’s Third Annual Parker Love of Teaching Award
Surrounded by enthusiastic students, fellow faculty and recent alumni, Tony Rainsberger received The Oakwood Schools Foundation’s third annual Parker Love of Teaching and Lifelong Learning Award on Tuesday, May 21. Rainsberger, a 13-year veteran of Oakwood City Schools, heads up the District’s award-winning engineering curriculum which now offers three different high school courses to 115 students and has gained local, state and national recognition.
Since 2010, Oakwood High School has added one new engineering course every academic year. Current offerings include Intro to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, and Biotechnical Engineering; new for the 2013-2014 academic year will be Civil and Architectural Engineering. Mr. Rainsberger spends his summers learning the material, developing the curriculum and sourcing equipment. The rapid growth of Oakwood’s engineering program was made possible by a $100,000 grant to The Oakwood Schools Foundation from The Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation in memory of Sue Worth in 2010.
Jeanne Keffer, Bill Sneeder and Chris Sneeder (OHS ’12) were among those who nominated or wrote letters of support for Mr. Rainsberger. They wrote that “…the best teachers are those who enliven the classroom and breathe life into the subject material. They challenge you to think in new ways and to participate enthusiastically in the learning collaboration. In fact, it is their enthusiasm that first grabs you. They expect you to make an effort, to make mistakes, and most of all to make more of yourself through your time together. Oakwood High School is fortunate to have such an inspiring teacher in Mr. Tony Rainsberger. He is dedicated to his students and he empowers them to succeed.”
In addition to teaching, Mr. Rainsberger is an advisor to the OHS Energy Team, The Rocket Team, and the Femineers. Ellie Hong, an Oakwood High School senior who plans to study engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, IN, credits Mr. Rainsberger for inspiring her to pursue this career path. "Mr. Rainsberger makes all the engineering courses an amazing experience. He helps develop skills that will be used both later in school and in the workplace. We, the students, are extremely privileged to have him as a teacher!" says Ellie.
“Tony Rainsberger embodies all that the Parker Award stands for,” said Julie Halpern, Director of The Oakwood Schools Foundation. “As one of Mr. Rainsberger’s former student told us, ‘not only does he display great knowledge in the subjects that he teaches, but he always aims to achieve and learn more. His life lessons are some of the best and really help his students understand the real world.’”
2012: Kathy Allan Receives The Oakwood Schools Foundation’s Second Annual Parker Love of Teaching Award
It took more than just a drum roll to introduce the winner of The Oakwood Schools Foundation’s second annual Parker Love of Teaching Award on Thursday, May 31. Rather, an entire drum line announced the coveted award, presented this year to Mrs. Kathy Allan, a beloved social studies teacher at Oakwood Junior High School who will retire this spring after 11 years’ service to the District.
Mrs. Allan’s nomination received letters of support from parents, faculty and former students. A former student and 2010 OHS graduate said that walking away from Mrs. Allan’s classroom after the very first day of seventh-grade social studies, he came to three conclusions: “1) I was going to love social studies; 2) I had never seen someone so passionate about anything in my life; and 3) I wanted to travel to every country in the world.” This same student, who is now pursuing a career in the foreign service, went on to say that “Mrs. Allan taught me that standing idly by and wishing things would change isn’t good enough; we must create the change. Mrs. Allan profoundly influenced me to take the path I have.”
One parent wrote, “Through her passion for teaching, continual research, and personal travels to nations around the world, Kathy truly strives to reach her students through a multitude of creative avenues. At a time when most adults do not understand today’s youth, Kathy embraces their uniqueness, challenges their thinking, stretches their abilities, and helps them to ‘step outside the dome’.”
A colleague said that “her enthusiasm draws the students in, but her skillful instruction encourages their learning. No moment is wasted in Mrs. Allan’s classroom. Any observer of Mrs. Allan would attest that not only does she believe in her students, but, remarkably, the students know it.”
“Kathy Allan embodies all that the Parker Award stands for,” said Julie Halpern, Director of The Oakwood Schools Foundation. “Her lessons extend far beyond the classroom, and students tell us her influence is felt not only in their academic endeavors, but in their everyday lives as well.”
2011: Janet Block Receives Education Foundation’s First Parker Love of Teaching Award
Amidst the sound of a resounding drum roll and the voices of excited children, The Oakwood Schools Foundation presented Mrs. Janet Block, Lange Kindergarten teacher with the first ever Parker Love of Teaching and Lifelong Learning Award during Lange’s year end closing ceremony. Mrs. Block has been a Kindergarten teacher in the School District for 15 years and at Lange School since it opened in 2000.
Mrs. Block received letters of nomination from parents of her former students as well as staff members at Lange. Letters of support flowed in from other parents, administrators and former students. One nominator reflected, “Mrs. Block has mastered creating a daily adventure for kindergarteners from the moment they enter her exciting classroom. The loving and supportive environment she establishes each year is extraordinary.” Another shared with appreciation, “Her dedication and patience with our youngest learners is unmatched. Mrs. Block’s teaching style is the epitome of differentiated instruction. Each year she takes an unknown “commodity” and in her skilled and magical way meets all of their needs and makes them more than ready for first grade. More importantly, she has also instilled formative, positive life skills.”
“Three of my children had Mrs. Block,” reminisced one parent, “and I was able to volunteer in the classroom many mornings. What I saw was amazing. What I find so unique and inspiring is that Mrs. Block seems to LOVE every student. She has high expectations for her students and gets them to work hard, pay attention and behave by encouraging them and loving them.”
“Mrs. Block embraces new experiences with a wonderful sense of curiosity and fun. Her endeavors exemplify her commitment to always improve upon herself and make a difference in the lives of others,” observed a District Administrator. A former student
included these words of appreciation in his letter of support, “Mrs. Block was the best teacher ever. She made Kindergarten a very fun and enjoyable year. On my “Favorite Teacher List,” Mrs. Block has had the top position for the past six years. She made me learn faster than I ever have before.”
The Foundation congratulates Mrs. Block on being the first recipient of The Parker Love of Teaching Award and thanks all the parents, students, teachers and administrators who nominated teachers and wrote letters of support. The enthusiastic response we received in response to The Parker Love of Teaching Award is a testament to the excellent teachers we are privileged to have in the Oakwood School District. Special thanks to Bev Parker for her generosity, vision and establishing this important award.