Fredericktown educator receives MVNU Mentor Teacher Award

From left, MVNU senior Aubree Bailey, Fredericktown third-grade teacher Amber Parry and Dr. Elizabeth Napier, Associate Professor of Education and Director of Teacher Education & Clinical Experiences at MVNU.

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, the Education Department at Mount Vernon Nazarene University asked senior-level student teachers to nominate a mentor teacher for the fourth annual Mentor Teacher of the Year Award.

Among MVNU’s 50 mentor teachers across central Ohio, one educator stood out.

Amber Parry, a third-grade teacher at Fredericktown Local Schools, received the award after being nominated by senior Aubree Bailey.

“The Education Department at MVNU is always looking for ways to convey our sincere appreciation to our partner school districts and mentor teachers,” said Dr. Elizabeth Napier, Associate Professor of Education and Director of Teacher Education & Clinical Experiences at MVNU. “When a mentor teacher accepts a student teacher from MVNU, they are taking on responsibilities beyond their regular classroom duties. We believe it is important to recognize those who go above and beyond to positively impact the future of our profession.”

Parry was surprised with the award during a school event where Bailey read her nomination letter and helped present the honor.

“I believe Amber Parry should receive Mentor Teacher of the Year,” Bailey said. “While being in her classroom, she showed me how to be flexible while staying on track, how to maintain authority while also showing care and friendliness, and how to work with parents.

“She supported me through lesson planning and throughout my teaching experience inside and outside the classroom,” Bailey continued. “When something in a lesson could have been handled better, Amber offered constructive and encouraging feedback. When students became difficult to manage, she allowed me the opportunity to learn how to handle the situation before we reflected on it together afterward.”

Bailey said Parry helped shape both her teaching philosophy and confidence as an educator.

“To me, a great mentor teacher is someone who teaches, invests in others and wants them to succeed,” Bailey said. “Amber was exactly that for me this year, and I learned so much from her, her classroom and the third-grade team at Fredericktown.”

Hannah Taylor, principal of Fredericktown Elementary School, praised Parry’s dedication to both students and future educators.

“Amber Parry is so deserving of this award,” Taylor said. “She is not only a phenomenal educator, but her commitment to encouraging and developing other teachers, regardless of where they are in their careers, is a bright spot in education. Amber consistently demonstrates best practices and works to ensure positive outcomes for students. Her role in helping shape the next generation of educators is something worth celebrating.”

Dr. Napier said strong mentor teachers play a critical role in preparing future educators.

“A high-quality mentor teacher can significantly affect the success of a student teacher,” Dr. Napier said. “Mentor teachers model best practices and eventually allow student teachers to assume full classroom teaching responsibilities under supervision. Without that support, student teachers may not experience the same level of growth and success.”

For more information about MVNU’s education programs, visit MVNU Education Programs.