Linda Parker Joins BZS As Education Officer
The Bermuda Zoological Society [BZS] announced the appointment of Linda Parker as Education Officer, bringing her four decades of educational leadership to the organisation’s mission of inspiring environmental stewardship in Bermuda’s students.
A spokesperson said, “Ms. Parker joins BZS after a distinguished career spanning 40 years in Bermuda’s education sector, including 20 years in the public system at Whitney Institute and CedarBridge Academy, and 20 years at Bermuda High School [BHS], where she served 16 years as Head of School. Most recently, she led the fundraising and construction of BHS’s $11.4 million Innovation Centre for STEAM subjects and pioneered innovative approaches to science education emphasising critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration.”
“I have built positive relationships with educators, administrators and students across both public and private educational systems in Bermuda,” said Ms Parker, who holds a BA/BEd from Queen’s University in Canada and a Master of Education from the University of Exeter, UK. “At BZS, I’m excited to work with our talented team to prepare and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards through experiential learning.”
A spokesperson added, “Under Ms. Parker’s leadership, the BZS Schools Programme will continue to offer free classes that serve local students from pre-school to college level offered through three core branches: GASS [Generating Academic Success in Science], Living Classroom and Ocean Education. A key priority will be developing and implementing the Terrestrial Education Programme across all grade levels, focusing on Bermuda’s diverse environments using BZS resources, including the Trunk Island Living Classroom and the Micro Forest Programme.
“The BZS Schools Programme leverages unique educational assets including the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo [BAMZ], Trunk Island, Harrington Sound and the R/V Endurance – BZS’s Floating Classroom – to provide hands-on learning experiences. The GASS programme measures outcomes of STEM curriculum modules with a focus on problem-solving, creative thinking and digital skills, while the Living Classroom integrates natural environments into learning. Ocean Education, through programmes like Kids on the Reef, provides a multidisciplinary approach encompassing marine biology, oceanography, environmental science and conservation.”
“At BZS, we have a strong team of hard-working, talented and dedicated educators,” said Ms Parker. “Our educators include: Dr. Alex Amat, our Ocean Lead; Mrs. Camilla Stringer, our Educational Activities Coordinator; Ms Lauren Gray, our Terrestrial Lead and Mr. Karl Darrell, our new Pre-school and Primary teacher. Together, we will work to grow our next generation of scientists, marine biologists, researchers, biochemists, zoologists, aquarists, environmental stewards and conservationists, to name a few of the many careers in this field.”
“Bringing science principles alive through experiential learning is where we excel at BZS,” Ms. Parker added. “Our team of educators is committed to providing ongoing professional development and staying abreast of educational trends to best prepare students for success in the 21st century and beyond.”
Dr. Ian Walker, BAMZ Principal Curator, said: “I’m continually inspired by the strength and vision of our BZS Education team. Each member brings a unique area of expertise – whether in ocean sciences, early learning or conservation fieldwork – that together form a truly world-class educational programme. Under Linda Parker’s experienced and thoughtful leadership, the team continues to thrive, expanding opportunities for Bermuda’s students and deepening our impact across the Island. I’m absolutely thrilled to see where their collective passion and expertise will take us next.”
For more information about BZS education programmes, visit www.bzs.bm or contact edofficer@bzs.bm.
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