The Reverend Robert R. Parks Excellence in Teaching Award was established and is named in honor of the founder of St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Day School in 1957, which was later renamed Beaches Episcopal School and is now the Beaches Campus. The Reverend Parks was the rector of St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church at that time, and would later go on to serve as the Dean of St. John’s Cathedral and a key member of the founding of Episcopal High School in 1966, now Episcopal School of Jacksonville. 

Jody Tomaszewski was named the  recipient of the The Rev. Robert R. Parks Award for Excellence in Teaching, established for the purpose of recognizing the Beaches Campus faculty for excellence in teaching. Jody is a Learning Specialist and works with students in kindergarten through second grade at Beaches Campus with a focus on reading. She has worked at Episcopal since 2012. 

Her nominations include the following from her colleagues:

“When I think of her, I think of creativity, passion, collaboration, and safety, ” noted one of her nominations. This teacher creates environments where students can take risks, grow, and develop a genuine love for learning. The growth witnessed in the students with whom she’s worked stands as a testament to this impact.”

Her nominations consistently praised her collaborative spirit. Noted for an influence that extends far beyond individual student achievement, Jody stretches herself to create personalized materials, adapt activities, and generate resources that benefit the entire Beaches community. As another colleague wrote, ” She serves as “a prime example of teamwork,” constantly supporting colleagues through her own experience and discipline. 

As one colleague wrote, Jody “is a true teacher. She worked creatively and passionately in the classroom and now serves with the same passion and dedication as a learning specialist.  She is knowledgeable and practical, works with the parents as faithfully as with the students. She mentors other teachers with this same commitment. This is only the tip of the iceberg of all that could be said about her commitment, dedication, understanding, and excellence in teaching.”

“The hallmark of Judy’s approach is her unwavering commitment to meeting every student exactly where they are. Whether working with a kindergartner who is already reading at an advanced level or supporting struggling learners, she demonstrates an exceptional talent for identifying student needs and providing outstanding, personalized instruction.”