A Lexington Two parent educator who works with the district’s STAR Family Partnership is the winner of a national award.

Paola Adams has been named a National Parent Educator of the Year by Parents as Teachers, an organization whose programs work with parents as the first and most influential teachers and advocates for their children. Programs focus on building a strong learning foundation in the earliest years for success in school and life.

Adams, who is bilingual, works with Hispanic families in the Lexington Two STAR Family Partnership, which is recognized by Parents as Teachers as a Blue Ribbon affiliate. STAR boosts school readiness through offerings for parents and children, including monthly Parent Power Chats, enrichment programs and events, play groups and more. 

“Paola is a true advocate for the growing Hispanic community within our district and works tirelessly to help families with limited English proficiency not only navigate the process of raising healthy children, but also to make connections to resources throughout the community,” said Mary Brooks, director of parent and family services/early childhood coordinator. “Watching her interact with the families in our program provides more evidence that she truly becomes a part of the family. … Her lasting impact on families is evident, as many parents continue to contact her even when a child has ‘aged out’ of our programs.”

Adams will be honored in October at the national conference of Parents as Teachers in St. Louis.