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Desmond Parker

Master Teacher
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(205) 975-9920

Desmond R. Parker, Ed. S., hails from Ypsilanti, Michigan. He has taught high school science since 2011 at P. D. Jackson-Olin High School, Minor High School, and Leeds High School. He has taught a wide array of courses which include general chemistry, pre-AP chemistry, AP chemistry, physics, physical science, biology, and Earth and space science. However, chemistry will always be his first love.

During his secondary teaching career he has served as mentor teacher for two aspiring teachers, the district representative for the science CCRS committee, ELL committee member, senior class sponsor, Science Olympiad coach, girls’ softball coach, soccer coach, and full time school bus driver. Additionally, he has served as a facilitator for A+ College Ready’s chemistry mock exam, assisted a re-write of the pre-AP curriculum, and has taught AP chemistry study sessions for various schools. Desmond has also participated in a study abroad trip to learn similarities and differences in the educational systems in the United States and those in the United Kingdom.

As an undergraduate at the historic Talladega College, Desmond was a Ronald E. McNair program scholar and tutor for student support services. He was also captain of the Crimson Ambassadors who are the official hosts of the college, president of the Pre-Alumni council, president of Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society, president of Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society, and president of Alpha Chi honor society. As a graduate student, Desmond was the featured student for curriculum and instruction in 2018 and was also awarded the UAB Outstanding Secondary Educational Specialist Student award in 2019.

Outside of teaching, Desmond works as a lead pyrotechnician for Pyro Shows of Alabama in Adamsville, AL, specializing in aerial and close proximity fireworks displays. When not shooting off fireworks he is somewhere playing the piano and/or pipe organ.

Education

  • BA, Talladega College, Chemistry, 2010
  • MAEd, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Chemistry Secondary Education, 2014
  • EdS, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Chemistry Curriculum and Instruction, 2018