Bradford W. Parker
LAPS News:
It is with great pleasure that Los Alamos Public Schools announces that Bradford W. Parker has accepted the position of Principal at Barranca Mesa Elementary School.
Andrea Determan, fourth grade teacher and Committee Chair of the interview committee noted that, “We were impressed with his qualifications and experience and are excited and happy to have him become a member of our school community.”
The interview committee and district leadership are excited about the leadership qualities he brings to the district.
Parker comes to Barranca Mesa Elementary with 17 years of administrative experience at all levels in New Mexico Schools. From 2008 until the present he served as the principal of Jemez Valley Elementary, Middle and High Schools. Jemez Valley Elementary under his leadership was named a “School on the Rise” by the Public Education Department in 2009. Jemez Valley Elementary made Adequate Yearly Progress in 2009 and 2010, meeting the criteria for successful schools established by the State of New Mexico and the No Child Left Behind Act.
Parker has most recently been the principal of Jemez Valley High. He is a retired full commander in the Naval Reserve and has a record of accomplished leadership in all positions that he has held. He was the State Apprenticeship Director for the New Mexico Public Education Department from 2003 to 2006.
Parker has a B.A. in Biology from West Virginia University; a B.S. in Secondary Education from the University of New Mexico and an M.A. in Educational Administration from the University of New Mexico.
He may be remembered by some in Los Alamos as he taught 7th grade life science from 1993 to 1996. In 1995, he received the Top Teacher Award for the State of New Mexico. When asked about his selection, Parker indicated that his previous experience in Los Alamos “kept me in education after a couple of tough years in another district had me questioning whether I should stay in education and I want to give back to the community that reinvigorated my career and helped me see what was possible in a positive educational setting. I am excited and happy and can’t wait to get there!”
Parker said he looks forward to meeting staff in July, and students and parents in August as school begins.
