CONGRATULATIONS! Award for ‘life-changing’ Louisa Boren STEM K-8 teacher Craig Parsley

Teacher Craig Parsley has been an integral part of Louisa Boren STEM K-8 since its start – our photo above shows him at a community meeting about the school’s strategic plan during its first year in 2012-2013, back when it was K-5. Last night, Boren STEM PTA leaders emailed to share the news that he’s been chosen for a prestigious regional award:

Congratulations to Craig Parsley for winning the Patsy Collins Award for Excellence in Education from IslandWood.

The “award selection committee was so impressed by Craig’s commitment to meaningful and equitable learning that inspires environmental awareness and stewardship, and are thrilled to present him with this $5,000 award.”

If your student has had Mr. Parsley, you know. It’s life-changing classes. Congratulations, Craig!

Countless local families know that, as Parsley taught at Schmitz Park Elementary (now Genesee Hill) before helping launch Boren STEM.

IslandWood is a regional environmental-education nonprofit. It will celebrate this year’s winners at an online event May 4th.

Mrs. A April 23, 2021 (11:47 am)

Hooray Mr. Parsley! He has worked tirelessly to bring PBL learning to K-STEM for all students, regardless of their backgrounds, means or prior experience in STEM. We would not be the school we are without his efforts. Thank you so much!

Alison Li April 23, 2021 (11:54 am)

Congratulations Mr. Parsley! You have had such an amazing impact our whole family but especially our 8th grader! You deserve this honor and so much more. For the past 9 years it has been so inspiring to watch you work with our students. Your passion and love for these kids is unparalleled.

John April 23, 2021 (1:04 pm)

Very well deserved award. Definitely the best teacher my daughter has had her entire school career.

Kelly Mitchell April 23, 2021 (1:28 pm)

Both my daughters had Mr. Parsely at Schmitz Park. They are all the better for it. He was a great teacher. Taught them to work hard, but have fun doing it. Boren is lucky to have him.

Jack April 23, 2021 (4:35 pm)

My kid really has blossomed in Mr. Parsley’s class. He finds ways to get the kids excited about things that matter. So well deserved! I am sure his prize will go back into all the awesome work he does but hopefully a little vacation too!

Amber Kormanik April 23, 2021 (9:13 pm)

I am glad to hear that Mr. Parsley is still teaching locally. My three kids had Mr. Parsley at Schmitz Park for 5th grade when they were 10 years old. All three still agree he was their favorite teacher K-12, they did work in hard in his class but Mr. Parsley also made it fun. My kids are now 25, 23 & 20 Congratulations Mr. Parsley!

Brooke Best April 24, 2021 (10:45 am)

A very well-deserved acknowledgement for an exceptional teacher! The Louisa Boren STEM program would not be the same if it were not for Craig Parsley. He motivates students by actively engaging them in what they’re learning and provides them with life-long tools for their future. His students are empowered to care about the world around them and others, and have the skillset to make a difference. Well done, Mr. P!

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