Congratulations to
National Teaching Award Nominee
Lynn Parr
Manhattan School for Children (PS 333), New York, New York
Student Nomination Story
I’m a proud #GirlDad!!!! I want my daughter, Avery, to step into who she is. Modern parents hover and worry a lot. I’m certainly guilty of that. When my wife and I got reports that Avery was shy and late to speak up in preschool, I was concerned. She was (and is) a motor mouth at home, so we figured her hesitation to speak up at school was related to her level of self-confidence. She is our only child and I am sure that puts pressure on her to meet our standard. Without siblings in the house, we are the role models she emulates. Since we are adults, the mastery gap is huge and I imagine the challenge to be “at our level” must be daunting. Avery wants to get everything right. She wants to be “perfect” like her parents. Avery is also bilingual. We speak Spanish at home and that may have impacted Avery’s confidence in articulating her feelings, hopes, and wants… en español o en inglés. That is probably super frustrating. That is why Lynn’s masterful teaching has made a huge impact. Lynn helped Avery find her voice. She has taught Avery that it is okay to make mistakes. Lynn lets all her students know that they have it within them to change the world! And she gives them tools to explore and navigate the world. Avery is a persuasive writer, braver speller, and word scientist. Avery knows she has speller superpowers and book talk powers. Lynn made all that possible. We pulled Avery from a bilingual Kindergarten classroom to enroll her in Manhattan School for Children (PS 333). Why? Because we value progressive education the school provides. We were concerned that her Spanish would suffer. Amazingly, the confidence she has gained with Lynn has propelled Avery to take more risks. She speaks more Spanish now than ever even though she is in a gringo, mainstream, English-dominant school. We attribute Avery’s gains to Lynn’s influence. Lynn also protects Avery’s space to learn through playing. Lynn will not be moved in her commitment to this part of Avery’s development and we love her for that! In Lynn’s words: "Children learn as they play. More importantly, in play, children learn how to learn." O. Fred Donaldson. In other words, this is where our most important and developmentally appropriate learning takes place. Our play is extremely purposeful and meaningful. Along with other social/emotional and academic learning during Worktime, we will also have a "Worktime Word of the Week." I will be teaching directly into concepts such as empathy, compromise, sharing, inclusion, flexibility - and many others. Avery is a leader. Avery is empathetic. Avery is inclusive. (PHOTO EVIDENCE IN THE JPEG I ATTACHED) Avery is a better person because Lynn is her teacher. I leave you with one of Lynn’s favorite Dr. MLK Jr. quotes: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." Lynn brings the love!
Avery Harris
Lynn Parr is the epitome of a Kindergarten Teacher. She encourages multi-sensory learning and fills her classroom with joy. My daughter was encouraged to explore without hesitation and that foundation has given her the confidence to try new skills in reading, math, and writing without fear of failing. Lynn uses music in her lessons and my daughter's favorite time on the schedule was when she could sing and sign her social studies curriculum. Lynn continues to be a resource for our family and a source of love and encouragement. As my daughter would say, "visiting Lynn's classroom gives me life!"
Beya Altman
Having my son in Lynn's K class was like winning the lotto. Seriously. This woman changed our son's life. Not only did she adore my son she also took the time out to invest in his learning. I once heard someone say Lynn is the 'godfather' of kindergarten. A seasoned pro who deeply cares about the kids and values play as learning. My son thrived in her class. His emotional intelligence grew leaps and bounds because of her. Coming home singing all the songs she taught them on her piano in the classroom. Just ask ANYONE at MSC and when you say your child is in Lynn's class, without a doubt, everyone will say...awe she is the best MSC has to offer. Without her... the school would not be what it is. Hands down.
Gabriel Vail
We've had Lynn for both our girls. When our first daughter, Mina, was in Kindergarten, she was hospitalized for 3 days with kidney inflammation. We'll never forget Lynn coming to visit Mina in the hospital. After a couple of days of doctors, nurses, blood samples, IVs, and boredom, it was so special to watch Mina's eyes light up when Lynn walked into the room, after all, she had been through. Lynn brought handwritten cards from all the kids in class and hung them on the wall. She sat next to Mina and listened intently to all her stories about the nurses coming in and out all night, her IV, etc. Lynn has a way of making you feel like you're the only person in the world, and to a 5-year old, there's nothing more important. Lynn embodies the essence of a Kindergarten teacher – warm, caring, smart, generous, and no-nonsense. I remember our first "family sing" – a unique once-a-month family sing-a-long with the kids and their families. I saw Lynn playing piano and yelling for the kids to sing louder, and thinking, wow this woman is truly born to be a Kindergarten teacher.
Violet Young
Lynn represents everything I hope for in a Kindergarten teacher. Making my child feel seen, accepted and appreciated. Nurturing both cognitive and emotional development. Integrating individual expression of each child’s unique capabilities with building strong social bonds. Engaging my child’s natural curiosity and allowing him to experience the joy of exploration and discovery, setting him on his journey toward lifelong learning and flourishing. Lynn is all that and so much more. To me, she is the embodiment of the ideal-type progressive, public school teacher, the linchpin of a wholesome, civic society. Each time, my son sees Lynn, he calls her name, waves, goes over to give her a hug, two years after he graduated from her class. She set his positive attitude towards school and learning. For that, we are forever grateful.
Oliver Tams
Our daughter is the second child we have had in Lynn's class, and we can't be more thankful for the joy and education she has brought to our children's lives. She greets us all every morning with a warm smile that reminds me how important positivity is not only in education, but society as a whole. The children find joy and comfort in her approach, and are emotionally prepared for the learning day. I have had two very different children in her class, and both flourished. I credit that to her ability to meet each child at their level, energy, and needs, and make them feel supported. She is a great teacher, an amazing face for our school, and an all-around amazing human being, who I am so thankful to have as an instructor in my childrens' lives."
Tyronne
Lynn creates the warmest, most welcoming environment for kindergartners, enabling my children to thrive socially and emotionally, which provides the foundation for their academic growth and success."
Kate
Finally, I would like to deliver my own praise for Lynn! She is truly an amazing kindergarten teacher! She manages the full day, as a single instructor and continues to engage and inspire our children every day. I especially love Lynn's enthusiasm for teaching and her musical talents she shares with our children. She brings music into our children's lives through her beautiful singing and while playing her piano with such passion! She has a way of reaching our children and bringing out their very best. She is a mom of twin boys, as a twin parent myself, she relates well to some of the challenges I have faced. She was integral in the transition to separate classes for our girls. She was sensitive to the fact that my girls had never been apart in school and were especially supportive in ensuring a smooth transition. She often checks in and shares updates on the social and emotional progress being made with my daughter. We are truly blessed to have Lynn Parr in our lives, as our Kindergarten teacher.
Olivia Tengshe
Lynn has been such a wonderful teacher. She was wonderful for our first daughter and made us feel really comforted and assured, we'd never been through the process before. She does so many little things to encourage full family participation which, I assumed was the norm, but I found out, isn't. Not all teachers have a monthly "Family Sing" or visit a child that is out sick in the hospital. Our second daughter loves her just as much as the first and we're grateful to have her in our lives.
Violet Young
To see more exceptional teacher nominees, visit The Honor Roll.