Candidate: Charles Parker

Charles Parker currently teaches Engineering in a STEM academy at Merritt Island High School and has taught English there as well. He was named STEM Educator of the Year by the Space Coast Women in Defense organization in 2015. He also coaches tennis and was the assistant golf coach. “While I currently teach in high school, I have broad experience in my years living and working in Brevard, which uniquely qualifies me for this seat.” He has taught English and World Cultures at Jefferson Middle School and served as an intervention coach in elementary and middle schools in Cocoa, Rockledge, and Cocoa Beach - assisting teachers and administrators with strategies to help under-performing students improve their proficiency in reading and math. Before entering education, Parker worked in the hospitality and aerospace sectors, as well as in social services – both as a minister and as a non-profit leader in foster care. He has served on the boards at Brevard Achievement Center and the Child Care Association of Brevard. In 1999, he received a gubernatorial appointment to the Children’s Services Council. He also served as the Chair of the School Advisory Council at both Tropical Elementary and Jefferson Middle School. He graduated from Warner University with a BA in Organizational Management. He also hold a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary. Parker is adjunct faculty in the E-Learning departments at both Eastern Florida State College and Valencia College. Parker has three sons – two who graduated from MIHS and one who is currently a sophomore there. His wife is a former teacher and graduated from the University of Florida College of Education.