2015 Teacher of the Year

A math and science teacher from Roosevelt Middle School in Tijeras was honored Monday as National Teacher of the Year.

Susan Parkins, a graduate of Indiana University and the mother of two children, recently completed her master's degree at the University of New Mexico and has taught middle school for 5 years.

Parkins was recognized for her unique middle school program that combines an introduction to the sports of rock climbing, orienteering, skiing, and whitewater kayaking with a math and science curriculum. After learning each of these sports "after age 40", Parkins says she realized the confidence she gained from them carried over into every other part of her life.  She wanted to help others develop that self-confident feeling, and started an experimental program for middle school, a notoriously difficult time for many students. Eighth grader Marissa Smith said, "At first I was too scared to start to climb the rock wall. But everyone encouraged me so I tried it. Now it's easy for me and I love it."  Marissa's mom, Jane Smith, agrees. "I have watched Marissa change from a shy, awkward student to one who wants to be involved in everything. She's now mentoring the sixth graders, teaching them beginning climbing strategies."

Students devote a part of every week to studying the science involved in one of the sports: a recent lesson, for example, had the students discovering  how water flow is recorded and measured at various gauging stations along the Rio Grande. They compared past years' water data with current water levels. They also studied erosion patterns along the river and discussed what these features mean to kayakers.

Fellow teacher Denise Turner, who co-directs the program with Parkins, has seen a remarkable decrease in student bullying in the classes. "These sports are new to almost all the kids--everyone is starting from square one and has to work together to be successful. I enjoy watching the enthusiasm grow throughout the year and helping the kids see the true connections between math and science and physical activity."

Students raise money to fund at least two trips per year to practice their sports. Recent trips have included rock climbing in the Sandia Mountains and whitewater kayaking on the Rio Grande near Taos.

As enthusiasm for the program has grown among the kids, so have test scores. Roosevelt Middle School has seen a steady increase in math and science scores, an increase that Principal Cee Kaye Nation attributes to the camaraderie and self-confidence that the program inspires as well as Parkins' enthusiasm and dedication to each student.  Nation said, "I see the pride that the students have in their achievements, both academic and physical. It is a launching point for continued success, in whatever endeavors the students choose next."

Parkins, who arrived at the White House only minutes before the Teacher of the Year ceremony because she was completing  a 24-hour-long Adventure Race in New Mexico, said when accepting the honor, "My dream is to inspire kids to learn to achieve their own dreams through the hard work and determination it takes to learn these challenging sports. Whether they continue in the sports is up to them; what I want is for them to take the incredible feeling of self-confidence and achievement with them.  The ability to combine my love of teaching with sharing the sports I love is truly a privilege and honor for me."