Coppell High School Physical Education and Outdoor Adventures teacher Bill Parker set the crystal ball on his desk. “Anytime you’re confused about your grades, ask the ball, that’s where they come from.”

Parker is engaging in the way he interacts with students, and his charisma as a teacher and a leader help him stand out among CHS teachers.

“He makes a relationship with every single one of his students, and he makes sure everyone always understands,” CHS senior Gavin Monroe said. “He makes the class fun every single day. Somehow it’s always interesting.”

On Dec 4, Parker was awarded Coppell HIgh School Teacher of the Year. He was selected out of 13 nominees, two in LOTE, two in English, four in History, one in Math, two in Science, one in physical education and one in Special Education.

The amount of nominees this year was a hallmark for CHS, considering the amount of last year’s nominees was only five.

The nominees were chosen through the vote of their colleagues, who answered questions regarding the teacher’s interactions with their students.

“[We considered] how he used assessments, engagement, relationship building, learning environment, a lot of the things that are based off of the learning framework for Coppell Independent School District,” CHS assistant principal Ryan Lam said.

Parker may have won Teacher of the Year, but he kept a modest attitude towards his fellow teachers.

“There are a lot of people here that deserve this award more than I do.” said Parker, following the announcement in the CHS Arena.