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Member Spotlight

Q&A Spotlight: Kathleen Parker – A Dedicated Education Support Professional (ESP)

Meet Kathleen Parker, a dedicated Education Support Professional (ESP) in George County, with 17 years of inspiring first graders! Her journey is one of resilience, faith, and unwavering commitment to her students. From overcoming challenges to building lasting connections, Kathleen truly embodies the heart of education.
Kathleen Parker ESP
Published: November 4, 2024

Kathleen Parker has been a guiding force in the George County School District for nearly two decades. As a Teacher’s Assistant, she has made an indelible impact on countless first-grade students, helping them develop academically and personally. Kathleen’s journey, grounded in a deep love for her students and her faith, reflects the spirit of dedication that defines so many Education Support Professionals. In this Q&A, Kathleen shares her experiences, challenges, and joys of working with young learners. 

Can you please introduce yourself and share a bit about your background in education? 

I’m Kathleen Parker and have been married to Wilkie Parker for forty-five years.  He has been a pastor for most of those years.  I love The Lord, my church, and church family.  We have been blessed with one beautiful daughter and two granddaughters.   
I love to read, can vegetables during the summer. I also enjoy needlework, when I have time. 

I just started my seventeenth year working with the George County School District as a Teacher’s Assistant in August.  I have had the pleasure of working all those years in first grade.  I absolutely love working in first grade.  It’s very rewarding. 

What inspires you and why did you choose this profession? And, can you share a memorable moment or experience in your career that had a significant impact on you? 

It’s an inspiration to work with children and watch them grow throughout the school year.  It’s amazing to see the growth they experience in a school year. 

 
I would say the most memorable experience was when we lost one of our students.  That was the most difficult time.  Watching first graders grieve the loss of their classmate and friend. It was really a sad time for our little class. 

Kathleen Parker ESP

What are some of the challenges you face and how do you overcome them? 

The most dominant challenge we face is time.  There’s so much to teach and learn in first grade.  Sometimes I get anxious and feel like I am not getting enough done.  Some students are not where they are supposed to be when they enter first grade.  Our district has implemented an intervention program that’s helping with the progress of these students.  It’s called Spire.  I love it and the students love it too! 

How do you build strong relationships with your students? Can you share a story about a student whose life you feel you've positively influenced? 

The best way to build a relationship with the students is to love them, encourage them, and don’t let them give up on their self. 

I can’t narrow down to one student who’s life I influenced.  I know I must have because I was at a restaurant with some friends a while back and a student that has grown up came up to give me a hug.  Almost daily, as I am walking down the hall or in the cafeteria, a former student will come give me a hug.  That’s the best part of my job.  Knowing that I treated them in such a way that they have not forgotten about the time we spent working together in our small group. 

Kathleen Parker ESP

What are your future goals? 

I plan to work as hard as I can until I retire.   

Kathleen Parker draws inspiration from her favorite Bible verse, 1 Timothy 4:12: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” This quote deeply resonates with her approach to her role as an Education Support Professional, guiding her in being a positive role model for her students, showing them kindness, patience, and faith each day. 

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Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE) represents thousands of Mississippians—educators, students, activists, workers, parents, neighbors, friends—who believe in opportunity for all students and in the power of public education to transform lives and create a more just and inclusive society.