ROCKVILLE, Md. — An English language development teacher at Gaithersburg High School was just named Montgomery County's Teacher of the Year. She'll now compete for the title of Maryland Teacher of the Year.
Melissa Porter Parks was given the award during a celebration at Carver Educational Services Center in Rockville on Wednesday.
Porter Parks oversees more than 800 Emerging Multilingual Learners (EMLs), the largest English Language Development (ELD) department in the school district. Officials say her support has helped make a difference in EMLs graduating since 2018. The graduation rate increased from 33.3% to 60% in 2022, according to a spokesperson from Montgomery County Public Schools.
More students at Gaithersburg are also meeting college and career readiness goals and accessing higher education opportunities. She organizes higher education financial aid information sessions for undocumented students and their families. She’s also involved in International Night, an event that helps students represent their cultures through song, dance, food and presentations.
Those who work with Porter Parks say she has the extraordinary ability to connect with students on a personal level to understand their individual needs and learning styles. She cultivates strong relationships with families and community partners, building a network of support that extends beyond the school walls.
Students say she has changed their lives. Porter Parks “has always motivated me to complete my goals no matter how tough they are,” one said. “She cares and she shows it every day.”
Porter Parks holds a master’s degree in teaching, and has completed the coursework for her doctorate in educational leadership from Drexel University. She grew up in poverty, received free and reduced price lunches, and worked several jobs while attending high school. She graduated with a 4.0 grade point average and is a first-generation college graduate.
“Melissa truly understands the big picture of how her guidance provides a comfortable space for teachers to develop and thrive. This thoughtful leadership is critical in creating a strong department able to provide an exemplary high school experience for our GHS multilingual learners,” wrote a team of ELD teachers and paraeducators.
As Teacher of the Year, Porter Parks will receive a cash prize and a one-year car lease from Fitzgerald Auto Malls.
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