College of Education and Human Development

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Seth Parsons Named Emerging Leader in Education

October 20, 2014

Seth Parsons, Associate Professor

Congratulations to Seth Parsons! The associate professor has been named to the 2014-2015 Emerging Leaders Class of Phi Kappa Delta (PDK) International. 

The recognition is given to education professionals under 40 selected for their outstanding professional accomplishments as thought leaders, innovators, problem solvers, and change agents moving the field of education forward.

Parsons is particularly proud of his role in cultivating the Professional Development School partnership between George Mason University and Lynbrook Elementary, a high-needs elementary school in Springfield, Virginia. He has been the university facilitator there since joining George Mason’s Elementary Education program in 2008. The partnership has not only graduated many high-quality teachers but also supports practicing teachers’ continued professional development and enhances K-6 students’ learning.

“The Professional Development School model that our program follows focuses not only on teacher candidates growing, but also on current teachers improving their craft and students achieving more,” Parsons explains. “The teacher is the most important in-school factor influencing student learning.”

In close collaboration with the teachers and principal, Parsons has conducted research at Lynbrook Elementary School and written journal articles and book chapters. Currently, there are 10 teachers at Lynbrook who have graduated from the Elementary Education PDS program since the partnership began.

PDK International, a global education association, will host Parsons and fellow members of the Emerging Leaders class at a weekend networking event this December in Washington, D.C., where they will meet with federal education policy makers and share best practices.

 

About CEHD

George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) includes two schools: the Graduate School of Education, one of the most comprehensive education schools in Virginia, and the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism. CEHD offers a full range of courses, certificates, and degree programs on campus, online, and on site to more than 4,000 students each year. CEHD is fully accredited by NCATE and all licensure programs are approved by the Virginia Department of Education. George Mason University, located just outside of Washington, DC, is Virginia's largest public research university.

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