TITAN OF TECH: Parker awarded statewide honor for implementing technology in education – The Daily Reporter

GREENFIELD – Mt. Vernon Community Schools Superintendent Jack Parker won a statewide award for his efforts to implement technology within the school district.

Parker was chosen as the 2024 recipient of the Candice Dodson EdTech Trailblazer Award through the Indiana Chapter of CoSN – the Consortium for School Networking.

The honor is given annually to an individual who has demonstrated transformative leadership in the integration of technology in education.

Named for Candice Dodson, known as a visionary leader in educational technology, the award celebrates those who push boundaries to create lasting, positive change in educational practices through innovative solutions.

Maria Bond, Mt. Vernon’s director of community relations, shared in a press release that the trailblazer award honors Parker’s efforts to advance educational technology and foster innovation within the district, positively impacting students, educators, and the broader education community.

“Dr. Parker has made significant contributions to digital learning in Mt. Vernon Community Schools, particularly through the development of PeDe, an AI chatbot designed to assist school administrators in navigating leadership dilemmas,” she shared.

“PeDe, an AI-powered chatbot, offers school leaders a unique role-playing experience where they can describe real-world leadership challenges. The system guides them through relevant board policies, staff handbooks and district regulations while asking strategic questions based on Mt. Vernon leadership principles, such as decision-making, ethical conduct, and collaboration.”

Bond said the innovative tool has been invaluable for building and district administrators, ensuring that decisions are informed by both policy and best practices.

“It has set a new standard for how technology can enhance leadership development in education,” she shared in the release.

Bond said Parker recently presented his transformational ChatGPT program at both the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents and the Mid-American Association of School Superintendents.

“Dr. Parker’s work in this field exemplifies these principles, as he has made significant strides in reimagining how technology can enhance both learning and teaching,” she wrote.

As this year’s award recipient for the CoSN’s Indiana Chapter, Parker is in the running for the national CoSN and AASA EmpowerED Digital Superintendent of the Year Award, which will be awarded in March.

Seth Hamilton, Mt. Vernon’s Director of Technology, nominated Parker for the Indiana award.

“Dr. Parker has consistently supported the technology department and our efforts to align initiatives with the district’s strategic goals. His focus on thoughtful technology integration and innovation has encouraged us to find practical solutions that enhance teaching and learning and provide functional improvements to district processes,” he said.

“Dr. Parker’s leadership ensures that our work has a meaningful impact on students, staff, and the community. I am proud that Mt. Vernon Schools has a leader like him, and it’s fitting that he’s being recognized with the (award).”