as·so·ci·ates (noun) /əˈsōSHēəts/ partners in teaching who create a special place within the Parker community Story and photos by Matthew Piechalak
Parker’s Associate Teachers (ATs) have been an indispensable constant in a school year marked by perpetual change. Consider them the unsung heroes of this strange year. “Without the care, dedication, and support that each team member gave on a daily basis, being on campus [this year] would not have been a possibility,” says Director of Summer and Extended Day Programs Erika Assadi. “Every AT came to Parker ready to support students and their fellow colleagues with love, patience, and understanding.” Prior to the 2020-21 school year, the Parker Leadership Team (PLT) and the Roadmap to Return to Campus Committee determined that additional hires would be needed to implement a safe return to campus. “To create a positive student experience with a primary focus on health and safety, crafting a team of Associate Teachers for both campuses was quickly determined to be a necessity,” Erika says. Originally, 78 pandemic-related support staff positions were approved for hire. The list included both ATs and bus monitors. As needs expanded throughout the school year, and health guidelines and directives from the State of California and San Diego County evolved, another dozen positions were added.
Extended Program Leadership sought a wide range of candidates, from individuals with traditional classroom experience to those who had previously worked with kids in other capacities, including day and summer camps. Upon hire, the ATs were divided into four categories: Mission Hills ATs, Linda Vista ATs, full-time substitutes, and floaters who worked across both campuses. All positions were hired with one-year contracts and full benefits. A walk through either of Parker’s campuses this year reveals one truth: the work of an AT is never done. Each day this school year, the ATs have undertaken a lengthy list of important tasks, including managing carline in the morning, conducting afternoon pickups, supervising study halls, subbing classes, and co-teaching lessons with faculty. Overall, the main job of the ATs was to keep the campus safe by reinforcing Parker F.I.R.S.T., says Associate Director of Summer and Extended Day Programs Suzanne Barrow, who managed the ATs working on the Linda Vista Campus. “The job had to create itself as we went along.”
SPRING 2021 Parker Magazine 33
