With April holding Para-Educator Appreciation Day, Featured Falcons wants to highlight Mr. John Sparrow, who serves as a Para-Educator and Field Coordinator for the Global Ecology House. He won Outstanding Para Educator in March and went on to be one of three finalists for MCPS Supporting Services Employee of the Year. 

For over 30 years, he’s dedicated himself to his job here. His position consists of driving school buses, going on field trips, and fostering connections with the over 400 students in the Global program and beyond.

“We had a really great field trip about 20 years ago where we got a permit to collect paw paws off of the C&O canal…that was probably one of my favorite things we’ve ever done,” he stated.

He attributes his position’s uniqueness as one of the best parts.

“I like the variety and being out in the field. It’s weird, I don’t ever do the same thing. Pretty much every day, I’m always somewhere, someplace,” said Sparrow

Global students celebrated his achievements on the Global Ecology Instagram page with the hashtag, “We didn’t need an award to know how great he is.” They also made him a large green banner saying, “ We heart Mr. Sparrow, Congrats!” to surprise him with it when he won his award.  

“It makes me feel very appreciated here; it was very much an honor,” stated Sparrow. 

On May 7, Sparrow won the award. He was supported by the Global department teachers, as well as his family. 

We’re so lucky to have a falcon like Mr. Sparrow!