Education is one of the most selfless professions someone can pledge themselves to; every assignment, conversation, and quiz is deliberate in preparing the next generation. My name is Antonio D. Parks, a doctoral candidate at the University of Colorado Denver concentration in Leadership for Educational Equity and Executive Leadership. Education was not a “back-up” plan for me; at 18 years old, I recognized my responsibility in the movement towards Black people’s equity, knowledge.
Superintendent of Schools
“He who opens a school door closes a prison.”
Victor Hugo.
Antonio Parks is a Georgia native, born and raised in West Atlanta. Growing up in the inner city of Atlanta, Georgia, and having younger brothers, He had always understood the importance of effective leadership, even more so when he joined the United States Navy. During basic training, he was appointed a division leader of 90 men. As a leader of a group of men from ages 18-35 years old, from all corners of the world and strangers, it was his job to not only build comradery but take us to the top as a team. His appreciation of diversity and the ability to highlight and use each person’s strengths to reach this common goal was imperative to our Navy survival.
He had the distinct pleasure of being a pioneer teacher in an innovative math program known as Teach to One (TTO). This program was intentionally designed to use data daily to drive instruction for the following day. This resulted in 50% of the middle school students I worked with consistently for two years’ growth. Additionally, he was a founding member in a newly implemented role as a Culturally Responsive Education (CRE) regional specialist for Denver’s Far North East region. This position required that he Aid in developing goals and objectives of the entire district Culturally Responsive Team. Managing and supporting 20 schools to ensure equitable practices and structures were being implemented to guarantee academic outcomes for students built his capacity as a district leader.
Before being a regional specialist, he was employed as an assistant principal at John H. Amesse Elementary. While working with turnaround schools in this role, he learned that student achievement and school success are not by chance, nor is it a quick fix, but rather a detailed and intentional process that requires consistency and dedication.
Ultimately, he wants to guarantee that students receive the best education possible. Lastly, he believes in distributive and servant leadership; he understands the value of teamwork and community; it truly takes a village to raise a child. He wants to be a part of that village, the village that inspires, promotes, loves, and protects our students. Therefore, meeting goals and contributing to Georgia Leadership Academy’s overall vision will always be his primary focus; this is inevitable with hard work and dedication.
- Received a bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education with a concentration in Math, Science, and Special Education.
- Received Master’s degree from the University of Colorado, Denver, in Administrative Leadership and Policy Studies (ALPS);
- Middle school math teacher at the Denver Center of International Studies (DCIS).
- Received certification to be a K-12 principal.
- Doctoral candidate at the University of Colorado Denver, where he majored in, Leadership in Educational Equity, & Executive Leadership.
