It's difficult for Parker Evatt to name a favorite teacher from elementary or secondary school.

He learned from many phenomenal teachers beginning in kindergarten at Forest Acres Elementary School in Easley, South Carolina, through graduation from Fayetteville High School. But Evatt did point to the educator who inspired his dream of teaching at the elementary school level: fourth-grade science teacher Mr. Fowler.

"At the time, science was my least favorite subject," Evatt said, "but as the year went on, I began to love his class."

Fowler used innovative classroom management tools that Evatt plans to put into action in his own K-6 classroom. Now a senior at the U of A, he's closer to reaching his long-time goal.

After this school year, Evatt will move into the U of A Master of Arts in Teaching program. In addition to graduate-level coursework, he'll intern at a local public school and receive valuable hands-on training with a mentor teacher.

Evatt is already elevating the teaching profession. He's president of the U of A Educators Rising chapter, which he helped bring to campus two years ago.

"What I love most about UARK Educators Rising is the strong bonds that have formed among our members," he said. "I wanted to create this chapter so fellow education majors could get to know one another and become professional partners for the future."

The organization's leadership team brings in keynote speakers, hosts events and reaches out to high school students who are considering a teaching career. Over the summer, Evatt and several other Educators Rising members volunteered at the organization's national conference. Three members won awards for demonstrating their knowledge, skills and leadership abilities in education.

Evatt said the U of A teaching program is preparing them all well, and he's motivated to finish strong for his future students.

"My biggest passion is teaching. It's my lifelong purpose," he said. "I have never looked back or reconsidered my decision to enter the teaching program at the U of A."

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To read more Dean's Spotlight stories and other COEHP community news, visit the College's online magazine, the Colleague. The College of Education and Health Professions offers advanced academic degrees as well as professional development opportunities and learning communities in service to the education and health systems of Arkansas and beyond. The U of A Master of Arts in Teaching program has been recognized as one of the leading U.S. teacher preparation programs by the American Association of Teacher Educators.