Fifth Year Teacher at Parkway South Middle Receives Prestigious Albert Award

At first glance on the field at Parkway South Middle during after-school intramurals, you might mistake 6th grade science teacher Darryl Diggs, Jr. as a student teacher or older sibling of a middle school student.

But 29 year-old Diggs, who is also the activities coordinator at South Middle, is in his fifth year of teaching. Mr. Diggs received his Bachelor's Degree from University of Missouri-St. Louis in Science Education for 5th through 9th grades and received his Master's Degree through Missouri Baptist University in Administration for 5th through 12th grades.  He is currently working on his Doctorate Degree at Maryville University for an Educational Leadership Degree, with his thesis topic Inquiry-Based Critical Thinking Strategy.

After being nominated by a colleague, Diggs was chosen as the Middle School recipient of the Albert Award, as selected by the Parkway Alumni Association. In 2004, a group from the first Parkway Hall of Fame class decided to honor Dr. Al Burr, a highly respected and distinguished retired educator and the legacy he created in the Parkway School District, by creating the Al Burr Educators Make-A-Difference Fund. Annually, the Parkway Alumni Association awards three Albert Awards--one each in the elementary, middle and high school levels from this Al Burr Fund. The award recognizes outstanding teachers who are in their first five years of teaching and show great potential as educators.

Fellow 6th grade teacher Mr. Justin Moulder nominated Mr. Diggs after working closely with him during the last two school years. Moulder says that he nominated Diggs because he is kid-centered all the time. He wants the kids to be successful and is an advocate for minority students. He adds, "Mr. Diggs will visit former students at their sporting events just to see how they are doing and reconnect with them. The dedication he has for his students does not leave once the kids leave his classroom."

Principal Mr. Craig Fenner enthusiastically agrees. "He is an outstanding young man who connects well with young people."

As a child, Diggs spent 7 years living overseas, including Honduras, Panama, Guatemala and Mexico. He says that living abroad shaped his understand of being a servant to others and accepting of all cultures. "That experience allowed me to grow as a person full of compassion and empathy." Diggs explains.

He believes that all students need someone in the classroom to understand and care about their well-being. His background taught him to appreciate, understand and challenge all students. Diggs adds, "My work throughout the district directly impacts student achievement. My goal for them is to reach their full potential. My scope for education is both wide and narrow, reflective and transparent, subtle and overarching."

Diggs works hard to keep his students engaged in the classroom by being entertaining and unpredictable. He also sees his youthful appearance to be an advantage in relating to his students, both in the classroom and on the field during after-school intramurals. 

Being able to balance the respect and authority he has in his classroom, while still being approachable and authentic with his students is what makes Mr. Diggs an educator that is deserving of such a prestigious award within the District.

Mr. Diggs will be honored at a special reception later in the school year.