The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools is pleased to announce that George Parker, a distinguished educator and expert on teaching and school governance, has joined the National Alliance as a senior advisor with a focus on school support.
Mr. Parker spent 30 years as a math teacher and educator in the District of Columbia Public Schools. For six years, Mr. Parker served as president of the Washington Teachers’ Union. During his tenure, he negotiated a groundbreaking collective bargaining agreement that implemented innovations in teacher pay, tenure and transfer policies, professional development, and equity in classroom resources. He subsequently played a major role in the design, implementation, and monitoring of the first local school-based shared decision-making model in the District. Mr. Parker frequently serves as an expert witness in support of legislation aimed at improving teacher quality, elevating the teaching profession, and promoting school choice. He also engages community organizations and serves on panels across the country to discuss policies related to student achievement, school choice, teacher and principal evaluations, teacher pay, community engagement, and labor relations.
“We are thrilled to have someone of George Parker’s experience, skill, and vision on our team at the National Alliance,” said National Alliance President and CEO Nina Rees. “George’s passion for improving the lives of students has motivated his work as a teacher, union leader, and student advocate. He understands the critical connections between teacher quality, teacher empowerment, parental choice, and student success. He will help our movement immensely as we seek to improve the public school opportunities available to students, parents, and teachers everywhere.”
Prior to joining the National Alliance, Mr. Parker worked with the StudentsFirst Institute as a senior fellow to successfully impact education reform nationally. He is a first-generation college graduate, having received his Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from North Carolina Central University and a Master of Science degree in school administration from Trinity University. He continues to maintain a certified teaching license and is a highly qualified math teacher. Mr. Parker is also a former performer, producer, and songwriter for the 70/80’s R&B recording group Special Delivery. He has performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the world-renowned Apollo Theater.
