Elana Reid, the Parker Junior High band teacher, was awarded the #AboveAndBeyond honor at the District 161 board meeting March 23.
Reid, who has been with the district for 17 years, was nominated by eighth grade student Alani Jeffries who recommended her teacher because she is both motivating and empathic when she worked with kids.
Alani said her teacher “encourages us to try and never give up and keep working hard.” She credits the teacher’s “positive influence” with making a difference in her life.
“I’m so thankful to have such wonderful students like Alani,” Reid said. “And I’m thankful to be part of a community that values the fine arts.”
The district started the #AboveAndBeyond recognition program in December 2019 to spread the word about teachers and support staff’s positive impacts on students’ lives.
