Jo Edan Parker Recipient of the Huntsman Award for Excellence in Education

Submitted by lana.hiskey on

Jo Edan Parker, Special Education Teacher at Mapleton Junior, is the recipient of
the Huntsman Award for Excellence in Education.

There is no question in the minds of parents and colleagues that Miss Jo Edan Parker has one of the hardest jobs in Nebo School District. She is a special education teacher for the severe behavioral students. At Mapleton Junior High, Jo Edan works with a unique and challenging group of young children from all over Nebo School District and all have severe intellectual and behavioral challenges. These students’ needs are diverse and complex. Working with these students requires highly specialized training, patience, and perseverance.

Linda Lewis, a former drama and physical education teacher, submitted Jo Edan for this honor.  She said, “Jo Edan exemplifies total dedication to this rare population of students with very severe disabilities. Her unique level of commitment positively impacts these children; and she touches their lives forever, as well as their families, peer tutors, and community members.”

Jo Edan is an advocate for her students. She prepares them for their entrance into society. From washing hands to getting along out in the public sector, Jo Edan has the tedious task of educating these most difficult children. Because "transition" plays such a major part of the student's life, Jo Edan prepares them with life skills.

Jon and Karen Huntsman have presented awards for 21 years that recognize administrators, teachers, and volunteers. This is the second year that an 11th person, a special education teacher, is being honored.

All eleven recipients including principals, teachers, and volunteers will be recognized at a banquet and given a check for $10,000. Nominations for this award are made by parents, colleagues, or students. The Huntsman committee makes the final selections.