ANDREA PARSON leaned in at a corner lunch table in Robert E. Lee Elementary’s cafeteria. Her genuine smile set the tone as students opened up about their day. Between bites of lunch, she helped them untangle conflicts, celebrate small victories, and build friendships. Parson’s gift for connecting with kids makes her a familiar face in the school, and her presence is reassuring for students and staff alike.
The story of how Parson became the school’s beloved counselor began earlier, beginning with her growing love for children and education.
One of the things that drew Parson into education was the influence of her fifth grade science teacher, who made learning both exciting and meaningful. His love for science showed her that true joy in teaching — and a little bit of heart — can really make a difference.
Before Parson became a counselor, she spent 12 years as a classroom teacher, which gave her a front-row seat to her students’ lives. According to Parson, while in the classroom, she learned about her students’ unique personalities and struggles. As a school counselor, these insights, compiled with her degree in school counseling and guidance, now help her advocate for students on a deeper level.
“I am the student’s advocate. Whenever they have a need — whether social, emotional, academic, or even physical, for things they need for school or at home —I am the go-to person to help.”
Parson also works closely with students whose home lives are a little more complex. She brings a much-needed perspective to her counseling, especially as a mother of a son with autism.
“That gives me a different perspective as a parent when it comes to helping meet those academic or even social needs,” she explained. “Sometimes, those meetings can be difficult for a parent. I know they were for me initially, so having that perspective helps me, too.”
One of Parson’s favorite parts of her job is working with students on projects that help them grow emotionally. For instance, throughout the school year, she organizes lunch groups and encourages friendships. Each February, she leads a school-wide kindness project celebrating Kindness Month, where students learn the value of simple acts of kindness. This year’s Kindness Project saw them helping 5 Loaves 4 Kids, a local nonprofit here in Tullahoma.
Parson is also involved with the Tullahoma Area Chamber of Commerce’s Creating Educational Opportunities program. This initiative bridges the school and the local community, where students can connect with local businesses and learn the value of giving back.
This program empowers children and helps them find their place in the community. Parson explained that the students’ artwork displayed in places like the hospital or Chick-fil-A shows them that their contributions matter.
“Kids are so proud when somebody brags about their work. It just feels nice to have somebody believe in you.”
Every month, Traders Bank hosts an event at the school where students can deposit money and learn about the banking process. The bank also holds a coloring contest, with the winner receiving real money added to their account, giving students hands-on experience with financial literacy.
Robert E. Lee Elementary also collaborates with Morning Pointe Senior Living every fall for an annual food drive.
“This past year, we collected around 2,400 items for the canned food drive in November. Our goal was 2,000,” she said.
“We want it to be a true partnership, where we help and make each other better.”
Parson has a gift for helping kids succeed in their studies and develop into kind, thoughtful people. Through her words and actions, she wants them to know that she values them and will continue to support them.
“All of our kids have opportunities to achieve the goals they want to set for themselves, and we want to help them reach them.” GN
